An organization’s strength lies in its ability to cultivate leaders at every level. Since 2008, the Academic Leadership Academy (ALA) at Western Michigan University has helped participants develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the systems that support the University. Graduates leave equipped with essential leadership skills to help advance our campus and community.
The Office of Faculty Development invites applications from highly engaged self-motivated individuals ready to grow as well-rounded leaders. Eligible applicants include:
- Full-time, board-appointed tenured faculty
- Administrative or advanced professional staff with demonstrated leadership potential
Program Overview
Designed with today’s evolving higher education landscape in mind, the ALA combines practical and experiential learning to help participants:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context of our University and other institutions
- Identify and prioritize challenges and opportunities in higher education
- Develop skills to lead at WMU or in higher education
- Contribute perspectives as team members, even without formal leadership roles
- Apply leadership resources to translate knowledge into action
The Academic Leadership Academy reflects WMU’s commitment to growing faculty and staff leadership. This year-long professional development experience is designed as a collaborative learning community, requiring active engagement and an openness to learning. Participants meet in-person, monthly, complete pre-meeting reading activities, engage in dialogue during monthly in-person meetings, complete mini-leadership experiential activities between sessions, and submit reflective materials.
If you have questions or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact Dr. Ramona Lewis, director of the Office of Faculty Development.
Program Participants 2026-27
- Ashley Atkins, Associate Professor, Philosophy
- Diana Blouin, Director of Academic Advising, College of Arts and Sciences
- Marshall Cammack, Manager, Market Research Office of Institutional Effectiveness
- Emily Curiel, Associate Professor, Special Education and Literacy Studies
- Adam Dietz, Content Strategist, Marketing and Strategic Communications
- Eva Hughes, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Office of Student Engagement
- Josh Kohnert, Program Manager, Office of Student Transitions
- Liz Morales, Director, Kalamazoo Promise, and Associate Director, Multicultural Affairs for Students
- Andrea Page, Assistant Director Internships, Career and Student Employment Services
- Lucy Parrot, Academic Advisor and Senior Instructor, Lee Honors College
- Sara Pearson, Director, Michigan Geological Survey (MGS), Geological and Environmental Sciences
- Katherine Rigley, Master Faculty Specialist, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
- Phoenix Spaulding, Supervisor, Information Technology Support
- Yi Wu, Assistant Director, Asian Initiatives, Haenicke Institute of Global Education