At Ball State University, we invest and support employee development to establish an internal pipeline of skilled leaders with an ability to create an inclusive workplace of engagement and wellbeing to impact university strategic priorities aligned with our enduring values and mission. 

Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Academy is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to introduce aspiring and current leaders to multiple aspects of leadership through three learning modules.  

Duration:

The LEAD Academy is cohort based.  The cohort meets once weekly for a 3 hour session for a 16 total weeks. 

Upcoming Cohort:

Lead Academy for Spring 2025 will meet weekly, from January 15th - May 7th, on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM*

  • Welcome Kick Off Breakfast: January 8th from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • LEAD Graduation Ceremony: May 7th from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

*Schedule is subject to change due to instructor schedule conflicts

Nomination:

We accept nominations through the Vice President of your respective division/college/unit.  To self-nominate, please express your interest in the program to your supervisor and ask your supervisor to inform the respective Vice President.  We will take all nominations into consideration when developing the cohort.  

  • Week One: Enhancing Self-Awareness as a Leader
  • Week Two: Leadership and CliftonStrengths
  • Week Three: What Leaders Need to Know About Emotional Intelligence
  • Week Four: Basadur Profile: Which Sandbox Do You Prefer
  • Week Five: Authentic and Daring Leadership 
  • Week Six: Change Managment and Resilience
  • Week Seven: Time and Energy Management
  • Week Eight: Fostering Creativity and Innovation
  • Week Nine: Using Data to Inform Decision Making as a Leader
  • Week Ten: Conversational Intelligence/Communication Styles
  • Week Eleven: Building Trust and Respect
  • Week Twelve: Motivating and Encouraging Others
  • Week Thirteen: Conflict Resolution
  • Week Fourteen: Coaching and Mentoring (for Performance)
  • Week Fifteen: Purpose Driven Leadership/Leadership Philosophy
  • Week Sixteen: Graduation and Final Presentations

LEAD Testimonial Videos:

We are honored to have some aspiring and great colleagues who have graduated from the LEAD program and have provided some short testimonials of their experience.  Watch these short clips to learn more about the impact of the LEAD academy on their work lives at Ball State.

How did the LEAD Academy ignite your passion and your purpose at Ball State? 

If you were to recommend LEAD to a colleague, what would you say?

If you have any questions, please reach out to Charity Coffman, Assistant Director of Organizational Development and Learning, by email or at 765-285-1819.