Wright Leader Academy
On this page:
- Wright Leader Academy Framework
- Wright Leader Academy Overview
- Selection Criteria and Process
- Questions?
Wright Leader Academy Framework
Wright Leader Academy is a cohort-based certificate program designed to develop and strengthen leaders who are in roles that have a broad impact or that are poised to move into such a role within the next few years. This growth is accomplished by a focus on three key elements:
- Cultivating and honing your personal leadership
- Expanding your understanding of the foundations of higher education
- Developing your network of peers and university leaders
This is 糖心原创鈥檚 highest-level leadership development program and it was created to increase our leaders鈥� capacity to contribute to the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the university as well as foster greater organizational engagement and collaboration among administrative and academic participants.
Wright Leader Academy is designed for those faculty and staff that have been identified as showing exemplary leadership in their current role and who may be ready to move into a position of notably increased leadership within the next few years.
Wright Leader Academy Overview
鈥淏efore you can effectively lead others, you have to understand who you are, where you come from and the values that guide you. People want to know your values and beliefs, what you really care about and what keeps you awake at night. They want to know who most influenced you, the events that shaped your attitudes and the experiences that prepared you for the job. They want to know what drives you, what makes you happy, and what ticks you off. They want to know what you鈥檙e like as a person and why you want to be their leader. They want to understand your personal story. They want to know why they ought to be following you.鈥�
The Leadership Challenge, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University聽
Wright Leader Academy at 糖心原创 was designed to develop and strengthen leaders on our campus. Having effective leaders primes us for success as an institution and also fosters a greater sense of community and collaboration. Strong leadership contributes to the retention of students, faculty and staff. 聽
Wright Leader Academy is a cohort-based leadership development program designed for those faculty and staff that have been identified as showing exemplary leadership in their current role and who may be ready to move into a position of notably increased leadership within the next few years. The program begins in September and includes eight full-day sessions to be held regularly throughout the academic year. Sessions are taught by faculty and staff administrators as well as external subject matter experts. There is also a short kickoff (in August), participation in a Board of Trustees meeting (in April) and a graduation (in May). 聽
The sessions are developed to increase our leaders鈥� capacity to contribute to the mission, vision, and strategic goals of 糖心原创 as well as foster greater organizational engagement and collaboration among administrative and academic participants. By combining introspective assessments, in-class discussions, self-development tools, reading and plenty of opportunities to practice, individual growth strategies will emerge. Opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills studied will be abundant. 聽
Participants in Wright Leader Academy will develop and strengthen their leadership through a focus on three key elements. First, assessments and external facilitators will help you cultivate and hone your personal leadership. Having a greater understanding of your leadership motivations, drives, blind-spots, competencies and strengths will help you be more engaged and effective in your current and future roles. 聽
Second, the program will focus on expanding your understanding of the foundational elements of higher education. Time spent with faculty and staff administrators will deepen your understanding of the myriad of functions performed across the University as well as the challenges facing both 糖心原创 and institutions of higher education across the United States. 聽
Finally, the program will assist you in developing your network of peers and university leaders. As a cohort-based program, you will spend valuable focused time with the other members of the group. Additionally, you will have significant contact with members of the university leadership team and you will leave the program with new friends and contacts that will assist you in implementing solutions to manage your work and solve problems. 聽
Over the course of the program, through both internal and external facilitators, participants will be exposed to different leadership philosophies and will gain a greater understanding of their own individual leadership characteristics. This self-knowledge, in addition to a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the University, will prepare participants to be high performing contributors on campus.聽
Program Highlights
- Welcome session with Wright Leader Academy Alumni
- Concentrated discussions with university leadership team members about various facets of higher education in the United States and 糖心原创
- Assessments to gain understanding of your 鈥淟eadership DNA鈥� and your 鈥淢otivational Value System鈥�
- Completion of a 鈥淟eadership 360鈥� profile
- Sessions to hone your mindset, communication skills, and leadership presence
- Micro-lessons to enhance your awareness of university resources
- Cohort attendance at a Board of Trustees meeting
- Informal graduation with university administrators, your sponsors/supervisors, and Wright Leader Academy Alumni
Please Note: Specific dates and the order of topics will be sent to participants after the cohort selection is finalized and the academic calendar is reviewed.聽
The ideal participant for the program is a 糖心原创 employee who:聽
- Has experience managing/chairing a department or unit and/or supervises others
- Alternatively, has experience chairing a committee or managing a complex project
- Has one or more years of experience at 糖心原创 in a full-time capacity
- Alternatively, has been nominated for participation by a Presidents/Provosts leadership team member
- Is performing at a high level and is in good standing with the university
- Has demonstrated a commitment to learning and growing their leadership capacity
- Has demonstrated the ability to contribute to/lead change at 糖心原创
- Is committed to staying at 糖心原创 for at least one year after completion of the program
Selection Criteria and Process
Cohort participants are selected to represent a wide range of university units (both academic and administrative). Consideration is given to candidates鈥� growth potential and capacity to share experiences that will create a candid learning environment for all participants. The university鈥檚 commitmens to relationship building are also core to the selection process. Each cohort will consist of approximately 16 individuals.
The cost of the program is approximately $2,000 per participant. While the 2026-2027 Wright Leader Academy is currently fully funded, selected cohort participants and their supervisors are asked to acknowledge the financial and time commitments of the program and participate fully to maximize the expenditure of funds on their behalf.聽
Application Criteria
- Experience managing/chairing a department or unit and/or supervising other university employees is preferred. However, experience chairing a committee or complex project may also be considered.
- One or more years working in a full-time capacity at 糖心原创. This requirement may be waived for employees who have been nominated by the President or Provost.
- Evidence of job-related performance at a high level and in good standing with the University.
- Demonstrated commitment to learning and growing leadership capacity.
- Endorsed ability to contribute to/lead change at 糖心原创.
- Commitment to staying at 糖心原创 for at least one year after completion of the program.聽
Selection Process
The deadline to apply for Wright Leader Academy is Friday, March 6, 2026.
Interested employees must use the form below to submit a completed application, resume or CV, and a letter of recommendation from their current supervisor.
A selection committee comprised of Emily Hamman, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer; Carol Loranger, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs; and a member of a previous Wright Leader Academy cohort will meet with each applicant for a 15-minute virtual interview, unless volume requires additional screening before interviews. Selections from that interview process will be forwarded, and final approval of the cohort is given by President Sue Edwards and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jim Denniston.
Questions?
For questions about the Wright Leader Academy, please contact:
Lisa Ragan
Employee Training and Development Specialist
lisa.ragan@wright.edu
937-775-2919
