The U of A's SEC Academic Leadership Development Program Fellows recently visited Texas A&M University for the program's first workshop to connect with other academic leaders across the Southeastern Conference.

The U of A's 2023-24 SEC ALDP Fellows were announced earlier this fall and include Judith Anne Garretson Folse, chair of the Department of Marketing in the Sam M. Walton College of Business; Adriana Gonzalez, associate dean for research and learning for the University Libraries; Michael Hevel, associate dean for research, strategy and outreach in the College of Education and Health Professions; and Romona West, assistant dean of inclusive excellence and strategic initiatives for Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

These fellows, along with Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Anna Zajicek and Associate Dean for Fulbright College Lia Uribe, visited Texas A&M University Oct. 15-18 for a three-day workshop aimed at providing growth and leadership opportunities to individuals identified as academic leaders within their institutions and the SEC.

"Participating in the SEC Academic Leadership Development Program has offered me several key advantages, with one of the most significant being the chance to connect with a diverse group of academic leaders from various SEC institutions," Uribe said. "This opportunity for knowledge-sharing is invaluable for delving deeply into the specific challenges and opportunities inherent to my specific role as an associate dean in the Fulbright College."

The workshop started with a welcome reception and dinner on Sunday evening that included remarks from Texas A&M's Vice Provost for Student Success Timothy Scott. Participants also had the opportunity to network with other SEC ALDP fellows and liaisons.

The next day featured sessions and panel discussions on a variety of topics including connecting with former students, informed decision making and leadership development in higher education. Attendees also toured Texas A&M's Disaster City & Fire School and learned about emergency response and preparation before enjoying dinner at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. During dinner, Texas A&M Provost and Vice President Alan Sams gave a keynote address titled, "Leadership: An Unexpected Journey."

When describing his experience at the workshop, Hevel said, "I learned a lot during our visit to Texas A&M and met new colleagues from across the SEC. I was reminded that every campus has its unique aspects — like the immense Braynton Fire Training Field in College Station — but that we share far more in common, like prioritizing student success."

The second day of the workshop started with a networking breakfast and a tour of Kyle Field, Texas A&M's football stadium. Participants also attended sessions discussing leadership at all levels and how to lead change and change leadership. The second day ended with dinner at Kyle Field in its Hall of Champions. The workshop concluded on the last day with a networking breakfast and a panel discussion on reorganization and centralization.

"I am very grateful to the university and the Walton College for their confidence in me to represent our institution as a SEC ALDP Fellow," Folse said. "Connecting with other leaders at the U of A and in the SEC highlights that we share more similarities than differences in the leadership challenges we face. This program provides insights about how I can continue to remove obstacles and navigate potential solutions in my role."

The 2023 SEC ALDP Fellows will meet again in February for another workshop at the University of Missouri. In addition to the two workshops, the SEC ALDP also includes a university-level development program designed by each institution for its fellows and a competitive alumni fellowship that provides former fellows with additional development opportunities. 

For more about the SEC ALDP, visit www.thesecu.com/programs/sec-academic-leadership-development-program.

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