The third cohort of the Student Affairs Leadership Academy began in December of 2021 and had 12 participants. The previous cohorts were successful, even through the covid pandemic. This third group of Student Affairs professionals met in person and had several opportunities to meet with other professionals from UA Little Rock and UAMS, and Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. spoke candidly about his leadership experience. Some thoughtful proposals were submitted as part of the process, often reflecting new ways of thinking about leadership and mental health post-covid.

Participants

  • Emily Austin, TRIO
  • Jordan Breckenridge, Admissions
  • Jordan Brown, Counseling
  • Diane Dotson, Health
  • Kim Herron, Financial Aid
  • Rachel Mercado, Counseling
  • Keely Reeves, DRC
  • Elizabeth Roshell, Campus Living
  • Madison Schalk, Admissions
  • Julie Shelby, DRC
  • Tiffani Silvey, CLC
  • Camryn Wade, DSC

Educational Sessions

Leading When You’re Not in Charge, presented by Sharon Downs
Many people think the goal of leadership is to be in charge of others. Leadership is much more than your position in an organization. Knowing how your specific personality traits impact interactions with others can help you lead others throughout your spheres of influence.
Implicit Bias and Its Everyday Impact, presented by Dr. Sara Tariq, M.D.
Diversity is represented in a group in many ways. The various differences between people make groups more productive, creative, and innovative. If an individual is open and committed to working with diverse people, they can develop cultural humility over time. While on that journey, individuals will certainly encounter their own implicit biases. Learning how to see, accept, and manage their own biases is the key to developing healthy relationships with others.
Connection not Perfection: Practicing Authentic Leadership, presented by Kristen McIntyre
Performing well is the mark of a good employee, but extreme focus on performance can keep us from being authentic communicators in the workplace. Authentic leaders guide communication in order to create authentic and equitable workplace relationships.
Leading Your Own Organization, presented by Trakenya Dobbins
Every person can be considered an organization that affects others in the world. Developing a personal mission statement and learning how to set and achieve goals that align with that mission help you stay true to your purpose in work and life.
Professional Networking Basics, presented by Bob Denman
Professionals know how to network. It is a skill that can be learned. Knowing why it is important and how it can help you meet your long-term career goals might get you out of your comfort zone.
My Story, presented by Mayor Frank Scott
A presentation by Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott about his journey in leadership.

Teams and Proposals

  • Team 1 (Tiffani Silvey, Kim Herron, Keely Reeves) proposed the “Building Staff Morale Initiative,” featuring three levels of staff appreciation to help staff feel connected to each other and others outside the division.
  • Team 2 (Jordan Brown, Rachel Hunt, Emily Austin) proposed the “Making Space Initiative,” where the university offers both employees and students with mental health applications to increase awareness of mental health apps, increase the usage of mental health apps, and decrease student stress, improve mood, attentiveness, and sleep quality.
  • Team 3 (Julie Shelby, Jordan Breckenridge, Diane Dotson, Madison Shalk) proposed the “Expect More Resources Campaign” to improve enrolled student success and retention by using engaging signage, giveaways, and social media marketing in order to highlight and promote available on-campus resources for students.

Feedback from Participants

  • “The Leadership Academy is a great program.  I enjoyed meeting colleagues and discussing the topics provided.”
  • “I find the Leadership Academy sessions insightful and inspiring. I am excited to engage with leaders and for the opportunity to be involved with improvements in the campus community.”
  • “The guest speaker lineup has been world class.  Thank you!”
  • “I have enjoyed learning from the speakers in each session. Having the chance to spend time with the Mayor and learn from his experiences was so meaningful. I have enjoyed getting the time out to reflect on leadership and the chance to make a difference at UA Little Rock!”