The Institute for the Arts and Humanities helps prepare and support current and emerging academic leaders through our Academic Leadership Program. Eight Fellows are selected annually to engage in a series of activities to help them develop leadership capacities, clarify their career commitments, build a leadership network within the campus community and extend their contacts to other leaders beyond the University. Because the ALP requires a significant time commitment, a flexible use stipend of $5,000 is provided for each participant.

Meet our current Academic Leadership Program Fellows or search our database of past ALP participants.

Fellowship Year

The majority of the programming for the Academic Leadership Program is in the spring semester, but there are commitments that are required throughout the year and the semester after your appointment.

Unless otherwise noted, registrations, accommodation, and meals are provided by the IAH. During the fellowship year for the Academic Leadership Program, participants are expected to attend the following:

• Fall orientation dinner (6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.). This event is in the fall prior to the fellowship year.
• A week of leadership training with the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, one of the world’s most respected leadership development organizations. Fellows participate in CCL programs with senior executives from the military, government, business, and the not-for-profit sector. As of fall 2022, this training is available in person or online. This training should be completed prior to the spring semester seminar.
• Two-day Racial Equity Institute Phase 1 training. As of fall 2022, this training is available online. This training should be completed prior to the spring semester seminar.
• Daylong (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) kickoff event, typically held on the Friday after New Year’s Day.
• Semester-long weekly lunchtime seminars (typically held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays) in the spring in which faculty discuss critical issues facing the University and formulate possible responses. The seminars begin the week after the kickoff event.
• One overnight retreat (noon to noon) at a venue outside of Chapel Hill (at least 35 miles). The overnight retreat is typically on a Friday and Saturday early in the spring semester. Travel is reimbursed and lodging and meals are provided at the retreat venue.
• One all-day retreat (9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.) focused on career development, leadership skill assessment and the creation of a personal vision. Meals are provided. The all-day retreat is typically on a reading day in early May of the fellowship semester.
• Fall forum launch dinner (6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.). This event is in the fall following the fellowship.

In addition to the above, ALP Fellows will also have opportunities to meet with senior leaders inside and outside the University.

Post-Fellowship

After the Fellowship year, Fellows receive opportunities to:

• Participate with their colleagues in a continuing monthly Leadership Forum
• Attend additional workshops, short courses, and seminars on advanced topics in academic leadership
• Attend conferences and workshops for all Fellows from all years on topics of concern to faculty and the University
• Meet with University and state leaders to discuss important issues facing the University

Eligibility

The Tyson Academic Leadership Program is open to tenure-track and fixed-term faculty members. Tenure-track faculty must be tenured and fixed-term faculty must have at least seven years of service at UNC-Chapel Hill in a primarily instructional role, which is roughly the time to tenure.

Application Process

Faculty must submit applications during the fall semester. Applications submitted in Fall 2023 are for consideration of the spring 2025 program.

The application includes:

• An online application, which includes:
  • Academic and non-academic leadership history (300 words max.)  
  • Program outcomes statement (300 words max.)  
  • Program contributions statement (300 words max.)  
• Two recommendations from a department chair, a senior administrator or dean, or former ALP fellow.
  • Recommendation form available on Qualtrics.

Selection Criteria

The ALP selection committee seeks to identify a diverse group of Fellows that represent a mix of emerging and established leaders from all parts of the University, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences and the professions. Those selected are judged to be among those who will benefit the most from participation and who have the most potential to contribute as academic leaders.

For more information, contact:

Silas Webb
Program Administrator
919-843-2651
slwebb@email.unc.edu

Viji Sathy
Program Director for the Academic Leadership Program
viji.sathy@unc.edu