The U of A hosted the SEC Academic Leadership Development Program Workshop in February, which provided professional growth and leadership opportunities to academic administrators across the Southeastern Conference.

Due to inclement weather, the workshop was delivered virtually, and the theme of the workshop focused on "Leading Change and Managing Expectations." This virtual gathering brought together 80 academic leaders from institutions across the SEC and gave them the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions and meaningful networking in an online environment.

The workshop featured expert speakers, panel discussions and virtual breakout sessions designed to explore strategies for effectively managing organizational change, setting clear expectations and navigating the challenges faced by academic leaders today.

"The University of Arkansas was thrilled to host the SEC ALDP Workshop this year," said Anna Zajicek, vice provost for faculty affairs.  "Although the workshop was held remotely due to weather, we had a memorable and productive meeting, and we gained valuable insights into best practices and practical approaches for managing change in higher education."

The workshop began on Feb. 19 with a morning breakout session to allow the SEC ALDP fellows from each institution to network and discuss the challenges they face as leaders. The morning continued with workshops focused on the philosophy and practice of change management and a panel discussion led by several U of A deans that centered on leading through the change process.

In the afternoon, participants attended a presentation titled "Leadership Unlocked" led by Chancellor Charles Robinson. This presentation was followed by a panel discussion on leading campus growth, which was led by Provost Terry Martin; Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment and dean of admissions; and Gary Peters, senior associate dean for the Sam M. Walton College of Business. 

The last session of the day included the presentation "Leading Together: Shared Vision, Faculty Lines, and Collaborative Success without a Single Boss." This presentation was led by Jeff Edwards, dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences and senior associate vice president for academic programs of the Division of Agriculture, and Jean-Francois Meullenet, senior associate vice president for agriculture research and director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

The next day began with a breakout session focused on discussions of how they have managed competing priorities and fostered positive, productive and collaborative environments. The morning continued with sessions discussing managing and leading change as it relates to faculty workloads and faculty compensation.

Thursday afternoon continued with sessions on starting strong as a leader at a new institution and budget models. The day ended with a keynote address titled "Leading Courageously Through Challenging Times" given by College of Engineering Dean Kim Needy.

The workshop ended on Friday with a session titled "Fundraising: Navigating the Art, the Science, and the Challenges" presented by Scott Varady, vice chancellor for University Advancement. 

In addition to this workshop and a workshop held during the fall semester, 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 information about the SEC ALDP, visit www.thesecu.com/programs/sec-academic-leadership-development-program.

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About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.