The fourth annual UA ENGAGE Leadership Exploration Program kicked off on Jan. 31 with a cohort of 17 faculty representing five colleges across campus and the University Libraries system. Participants are mid-career faculty (associate or full professors) nominated by their colleges and selected based on established career success and leadership experience.

Dean Kim Needy of the College of Engineering, creator of the program, said, "This group of participants is energetic, engaging and committed to learning about leadership opportunities across campus and beyond. I'm excited about the program and the journey each participant will take!"

The UA ENGAGE Leadership Exploration Program, funded through NSF ADVANCE, is a semester-long workshop series that aims to help mid-career faculty evaluate which future leadership roles best align with their personal strengths and values. The four-session series is also designed to promote leadership capacity within our institution, strengthen participants' peer networks and improve retention by offering tangible takeaways for holistic career planning.

Shauna Morimoto, associate dean in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, leads the UA ENGAGE Team as principal investigator for the NSF ADVANCE grant. "I am thrilled for another great year for the Leadership Exploration Program, both for the energy this new group will bring and the enduring impact of program participants across our campus. A hearty welcome to all!" Morimoto said.

Participants from previous cohorts have moved into new leadership roles in administration, research, teaching and entrepreneurial ventures, signaling the lasting value of the Leadership Exploration Program to the U of A, as well as participants.

The 2025 UA ENGAGE Leadership Exploration Workshop cohort includes:

• Erika Almenara, World Languages and Literatures

• Emily Baker, Architecture

• Michelle Lee Barry, Civil Engineering

• A Burcu Bayram, Political Science

• Adrienne Callander, School of Art

• Aysa Galbraith, First Year Engineering

• Laura Herold, School of Human Environmental Sciences

• Jennifer Hoyer, World Languages and Literatures

• Marty Maxwell Lane, School of Art

• Christine Ralston, Department of Curriculum and Instruction

• Shirin Saeidi, Political Science and Middle East Studies

• Virginia Siegel, University Libraries

• Amanda Sullivan, Health, Human Performance and Recreation

• Johanna Thomas, School of Social Work

• Jada Thompson, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

• Ellen Urton, University Libraries

• Heather Walker, Chemical Engineering