UA Leadership Academy Inducts New Members

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Six fellows have been selected for The University of Alabama Leadership Academy class of 2009.

Mentoring by a senior UA official is a highlight of the newly designed program, distinguishing it from the academy’s previous format.

Over the year, each mentor will oversee an activity specific to the fellow’s interests and aspirations as well as advise the fellow on managerial and organizational skills necessary on university campuses today.

The fellows will be exposed through roundtable discussions to the issues and complexities of higher education in public flagship institutions. Topics for the coming year include the nature of executive leadership, managing resources, institutional governance and understanding the needs of stakeholders.

Fellows and mentors are:

Dr. Natalie Adams, assistant dean of the graduate school, to be mentored by Dr. Margaret King, clinical professor of higher education administration and former vice president for student affairs

Dr. Katie Busby, director of student affairs assessment and planning, to be mentored by Dr. Jim McLean, dean of the College of Education

Dr. David Cordes, professor and head of the department of computer science, to be mentored by Dr. Robert Halli, dean of the Honors College

Dr. Mike Hardin, senior associate dean in the College of Commerce and Business Administration, to be mentored by Dr. Judy Bonner, provost and executive vice president

Dr. Rick Swatloski, licensing associate for the office of technology transfer, to be mentored by Dr. Pam Parker, vice president for advancement

Chad Tindol, counsel in the office of counsel, to be mentored by Dr. Lynda Gilbert, vice president for financial affairs.

Adams, Cordes and Hardin will also participate in the academic leadership development program for faculty sponsored by the Southeastern Conference’s Academic Consortium. Developed particularly for faculty poised for senior leadership positions, the SECAC program provides advanced training and networking for academic leaders at flagship universities across the Southeast. UA’s SECAC Fellows will attend an October seminar at the University of South Carolina and a February seminar at the University of Arkansas.

“These programs are particularly useful for faculty who are taking on administrative responsibilities,” according to King who oversees the UA leadership program.

“Faculty in particular have often had limited exposure to the operations and processes that administrators take for granted in their daily work. Providing them a command smoothes their transitions and enhances their contributions to the University. Being a Leadership Academy Fellow has both personal and institutional benefits,” King said.