Today@Sam Article

Sam Houston State University Selected To Host Texas Academic Leadership Academy

March 3, 2018
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

The Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers and Sam Houston State University have partnered to offer the Texas Academic Leadership Academy. Beginning this summer, the intensive, year-long leadership development experience will enhance aspiring leaders’ capacities to address the complexities of higher education leadership.  TALA

Lead by Stacey Edmonson, dean of the College of Education and Matthew Fuller, associate professor and director of the Doctoral Program in Higher Education Leadership, with support from Chris Maynard, associate vice provost, the new academy will include participants from many Texas institutions of higher education. 

“The academy is focused beyond SHSU and is a state-wide initiative designed to address the specific needs of Texas higher education priorities,” Fuller said.

To accommodate participants from across the state the program will be primarily web based with the exception of three face-to-face sessions that will occur at different locations around the state.  

According to Fuller, SHSU was selected to host the new academy through a competitive process.

“We submitted a proposal along with a number of institutions in this competition,” he said.  “Our expertise was a major factor. In addition, we offer a catered experience specific to academic affairs leadership. Our program is cost efficient and offers a tremendous opportunity for leaders across the state to engage a mentor and experienced leaders in the unique opportunities Texas higher education faces. We received this honor because we offer a comprehensive yet manageable suite of professional development opportunities for leaders who seldom receive training.”

Providing a unique source of professional development, TALA will feature top-notch speakers and leaders from all Texas college and university systems.  The academy will also have a mentorship component, case studies and comprehensive assessment efforts. 

TALA Fellows will be guided through three face-to-face meetings during the academic year 2018-2019. The first session will be held July 23-25, 2018 at The SHSU Woodlands Center.  Monthly online sessions will be offered, drawn from the expertise of senior leaders and key experts from institutions and systems across the state.   

Aspiring leaders at all Texas institutions of higher education are eligible to participate, following nomination from the Chief Academic Officer at their institution.  Applications include a form and a nomination letter from the Chief Academic Officer of the institution and will be accepted via email (tala@shsu.edu) until April 13.  More information can be found online: https://www.shsu.edu/tala/ .

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