UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Excellence in Academic Leadership (EAL) program is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 cohort, offering experienced academic unit heads the opportunity to expand their leadership capacity and strengthen their impact within the University.
Sponsored by the Center for Faculty Development and Advancement (CFDA) within the Office of Faculty Affairs, EAL is designed for department heads, division heads, school directors, and Division of Academic Affairs leaders at the Commonwealth Campuses. The program begins in January 2026 and convenes two Friday afternoons each month for a series of interactive, cohort-based sessions.
Eligible participants must have two or more years of experience in their current role.
For the Spring 2026 cohort, the program is open by application rather than nomination. The application period runs from Wednesday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Dec. 5, 2026, and selected participants will be notified by Friday, Dec. 12, 2026. Interested leaders are encouraged to visit the Excellence in Academic Leadership program webpage for full details and application materials.
Program session highlights
The Excellence in Academic Leadership program offers a series of highly interactive sessions that explore the core dimensions of effective academic leadership. Participants examine practical strategies for leading people and programs, managing organizational change, advancing academic missions, and aligning unit goals with institutional priorities. Each session blends evidence-based frameworks with real-world application and peer discussion.
In addition to the content sessions, the program features "Critical Friends" sessions — small-group forums where participants analyze leadership challenges, exchange feedback, and test strategies in a supportive and confidential environment. Rooted in the Critical Friends model of reflective dialogue, these sessions emphasize shared learning, problem-solving and professional growth among peers.
Throughout the semester, participants build a network of colleagues across campuses and disciplines, leaving the program with new insights, tools and connections that help strengthen their leadership practice.
“The Excellence in Academic Leadership program emphasizes learning from peers and applying leadership concepts to real-world contexts,” said Ann Clements, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs. “By focusing on evidence-based strategies and shared experience, the program helps academic leaders refine their approach to leading people, managing change, and advancing their unit’s mission.”
Questions may be directed to Clements at acc13@psu.edu.