Program Director

Viji Sathy serves as the Tyson Academic Leadership Program Director.
Sathy is a Professor of the Practice in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment, and Director of the Townsend Program for Education Research. She is a national expert on inclusive teaching, speaking and writing widely on the topic and co-founder of inclusifiED.com. Her research involves evaluating the impact of innovative teaching techniques as well as retention in STEM and directs evaluations of educational programs and curricula. She teaches undergraduate quantitative courses as course-based research experiences: statistics and research methodology, as well as maker courses. She is the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the campus’ Student’s choice for Best Professor at UNC and recently, The Society for The Teaching of Psychology (APA Division 2) Awardee for Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Prior to her current position at UNC, she worked at the College Board conducting research on the SATs and non-cognitive predictors of college success. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC (B.S.1996) and her doctorate in psychometrics from UNC-Chapel Hill (Ph.D. 2003). She was born in India but grew up in a small town in NC and is a proud recipient of public education (K-PhD) in NC.

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.
• Option to attend a two-day educational opportunity at the Racial Equity Institute.
• 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.

Appropriate use of funds

Participants receive a $5,000 flexible use stipend subject to some restrictions. The following are appropriate uses of the stipend:

• Research-related travel (that does not interfere with the seminar meeting schedule).
• Conferences or other professional development activities.
• Summer salary (inclusive of fringe; excludes regular or base salary, or any related administrative supplements).
• Work equipment.
• Graduate and/or undergraduate research assistants.
• Research materials/books.
• Catering for research-related seminars and workshops.
• Contributions to campus departments (e.g. research collaborations).

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