UMB’s Faculty Leadership Development Program (FLDP) aims to enhance the leadership skills of its faculty members and prepare them for advancement in their careers.

FLDP alumni will hear from university leadership on strategic planning and decision-making, thus gaining critical insight into the successes (and lessons learned) of leaders in higher education. Finally, FLDP alumni will strengthen their faculty network in the UMB community, fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Background

The FLDP was launched in January 2021 by Provost Roger J. Ward and Faculty Senate President Joshua M. Abzug with the support of the President and UMB school deans. The program was created at the request of the Faculty Senate to enable UMB faculty to learn executive leadership skills for their career advancement. The inaugural cohort consisted solely of members of the Faculty Senate but has since expanded most faculty on campus (see eligibility requirements below).

Core Values and Learning Outcomes

UMB has adopted the four core values below to guide expectations of behavior, strategies, and decision-making. The FLDP is part of UMB’s mission to train and enable its faculty leaders to model these values as they advance in their careers.

Respect and Integrity

We value each other and hold ourselves accountable for acting ethically and transparently using compassion and empathy.

Outcome: FLDP alumni will learn how to be excellent communicators through active listening, transparency, accountability, and empathy.

Well-Being and Sustainability

We care about the welfare of our people, planet, communities, and University.

Outcome: FLDP alumni will learn the importance of work-life harmony, the role of healthy behaviors in managing conflict, how to plan for the future, and how to be an intentional leader.

Equity and Justice

We embrace and are committed to diversity, and we value inclusive and just communities. We oppose racism and oppression in all their forms.

Outcome: FLDP alumni will learn how to embrace diversity by demonstrating equitable practices, exploring their own identities and implicit and explicit biases, using inclusive language, recognizing and voicing inequitable policies and practices, and providing opportunities for stakeholders from historically marginalized populations to serve as UMB leaders.

Innovation and Discovery

We imagine and explore new and improved ways to accomplish our mission through education, research, clinical care, and service.

Outcome: FLDP alumni will know how to challenge constraints and inertia by pursuing bold ideas, learning how to accept failure, collaborating and sharing knowledge in teams, and celebrating successes

About the Program

Tuition

The costs associated with this program are covered by the Office of the Provost.

Time Commitment and Schedule

The program takes place on a Thursday each month in January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, and October from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

The graduation ceremony takes place in November from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sample Topics

• Leadership in Higher Education and Self Assessment
• Executive Presence
• Conflict Management
• Hiring, Firing, and Office Politics
• Diversity and Leadership
• Intentional Leadership
• Interacting with the Media
• Philanthropy in Higher Education
• Government Affairs
• Strategic Planning

Eligibility

Eligible faculty have met the following requirements:

• Served full-time on the faculty of UMB for a minimum of three years.
  • Program is open to tenured and non-tenured faculty.
  • Program is open to faculty with the ranks of Instructor, Clinical Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor.
  • Program is not open to faculty who have not yet met the three-year requirement.
• Have the written approval of their Department Chair and/or Dean.
• Can make the time commitment of one day a month for 10 months.

Nomination Process

Applications open in the fall through an electronic self-nomination form. The form will ask:

• Demographic and contact information (Name, School, Rank, etc.)
• A brief description of past and current leadership roles
• An essay that describes the faculty member’s interest in the program and what they hope to gain from it.
• A signed letter from the faculty member’s Department Chair and/or Dean approving the time commitment.

Selection

Section to the cohort is determined at the discretion of the FLDP Leadership. The leadership weighs factors including the number of applicants from each school and the quality of the faculty essay. The FLDP Leadership strives to ensure each cohort is diverse in relation to university tenure, rank, and school, in addition to individual identities.   

UMB's faculty affairs department also sponsors professional development coaching to support the growth and success of faculty. Our coaching service is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of faculty members at all stages of their careers. Professional coaching is driven by the needs of faculty. Our experienced coaches offer personalized support, through one-on-one sessions, empowering faculty to navigate the complexities of academic careers, while attaining enhanced work-life balance. Our coaching approach is rooted in fostering self-awareness, resilience, and a growth mindset, enabling faculty members to unlock their full potential and thrive. We believe that investing in the ongoing development of our faculty members not only benefits individuals, but also strengthens our institution, driving innovation, excellence, and the health of our faculty. For more information, please contact our Coaching Program Director, Dr. Michelle Pearce, clinical psychologist, board certified coach, and an expert in integrative health and wellness.

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