UARK Leaders Accepting Nominations for Sixth Cohort

The UARK Leaders program is now accepting nominations for its sixth cohort, which will run from October 2025 to April 2026. This leadership initiative brings together a cross-section of university leaders committed to driving positive change and strengthening the campus community. 

Through collaborative learning and practical application, Cohort 6 participants will develop key leadership competencies essential for guiding teams and initiatives effectively, all through the lens of advancing the university's strategic pillars: student success, research excellence and enhancing the university's status an employer of choice.  

UARK Leaders Cohort 6 is open to both staff and faculty who are interested in progressing their leadership on campus. They must also oversee an organizational unit, large-scale projects or programs and manage two or more direct reports (and are responsible for their performance evaluations). Participants will refine their leadership approach through an immersive experience centered on three leadership competencies: 

• Strategic Thinking - Navigating complex challenges with foresight and innovation 

• Leading a Team - Cultivating collaboration and fostering strong leadership within a unit 

• Balancing Advocacy - Championing initiatives while maintaining institutional alignment 

Key components of the cohort experience include: 

• Six days of interactive professional development sessions 

• Completion of professional leadership assessments, including the Birkman Assessment and a 360 Feedback Assessment 

• Up to three one-on-one professional leadership coaching sessions 

• A team-based action learning project addressing real-time university issues, culminating in a presentation to the U of A leadership team 

There is a $2,000 cost per participant, and their department is responsible for covering this cost. 

For employees interested in strengthening their leadership impact and contributing to shaping the future of the university, consider joining Cohort 6 of UARK Leaders! To learn more about the program, process and eligibility criteria, review the UARK Leaders 2025-26 Program Overview.  

Nominate or self-nominate by completing the UARK Leaders Cohort 6 Nomination Form by 5 p.m. CDT July 15. Interviews will take place in August, with cohort selection completed in early September.   

UARK Leaders is a project of the Office of Human Resources' Talent Development team. For more information, contact Anne Shelley or Ashley Ingram.