Another class of the UO Leadership Academy concluded in early June, with 28 members graduating from the program designed to energize academic leadership at the university.
“Leadership is not just a title or position,” said Sierra Dawson, associate vice provost for academic affairs and one of the program facilitators. It’s “a way of approaching our work, and one another, as we engage our agency, influence and relationships to enact positive change.”
Established in 2018 by the Office of the Provost, the academy is designed to build inclusive and transformative leadership among UO faculty members and staff who are accepted into the year-round program. The focus is to enhance the leadership skill set for employees who want to help guide the institution into the future.
After completing a competitive application process, selected participants spent the academic year participating in monthly training sessions that are based on current research and evidence-based scholarship. The sessions dive into topics such as developing leadership styles, how to self-reflect and finding ways to facilitate critical dialogue in order to grow as a leader.
Richard Margerum, director of the School of Planning, Public Policy and Maagement and a professor in the College of Design, saw the academy as an opportunity to build upon his leadership skills, reflect on his strengths and uncover areas for improvement.
“As I take on new responsibilities and new challenges, I find there are situations where I want more tools and skills,” Margerum said. “I sometimes doubted my skills as not being assertive enough for leadership, but now I recognize how they can be strengths.”
Participants in the academy also learn about the importance of building relationships with each other. The class spent the duration of the program meeting remotely, but members found moments to gather and share during the experience.
“The biggest takeaway is the human connection to other UO leaders across campus,” said Renee Delgado-Riley, director of assessment and research in the Division of Student Life. “I felt validated, and the relationships are invaluable. I experienced vulnerability but also felt empowered to improve the UO with a renewed perspective.”
The Leadership Academy provides participants with tools and support to create positive change across campus. The curriculum is built on a shared set of values to create a culture of leadership and establish an inclusive community.
Class member Celena Simpson, associate director of PathwayOregon, said she appreciates the UO investing in her development so she can work toward shared goals of access, equity and inclusion in education and be a part of creating lasting change on campus.
“In addition to the myriad personal, interpersonal and structural tools for building a culture of change at the UO, the biggest takeaway for me has been that I’m not alone,” Simpson said. “I’ve come out of this experience with connections I never would have made otherwise and feel recommitted to institutional change as a result of knowing these remarkable people.”
The graduation event also welcomed the incoming class of 30 members, who will start meeting monthly in September. UO faculty members or staff who are interested in the program can begin applying for the 2022-23 session in November, with applications closing January 2022. More information about the Leadership Academy is available on the Office of the Provost website.
—By Kaitlyn Jimenez, University Communications