Nominations Open Through Oct. 21 for LEAD Professional Development Program

Nominations Open Through Oct. 21 for LEAD Professional Development Program

Human Resources is accepting nominations for the fourth LEAD cohort, continuing The University of Toledo's commitment to professional development and personal growth.

Launched in 2021, the LEAD program provides emerging campus leaders an opportunity to hone their skills through monthly courses taught by subject matter experts, career and leadership coaching, mentoring with campus leaders and the completion of a yearlong project.

"The LEAD program is for anyone looking to elevate their professional development while networking with fellow colleagues," said Kimberly Fahey, director of training and organizational development. "This program supports The University of Toledo's strategic plan to help attract and retain the best and brightest talent. The participants will hear from a variety of senior leaders and gain valuable insights into different aspects of higher education, academic medicine and exemplary leadership practices."

"As someone who reports to senior leadership at UToledo Health, my one-on-ones typically involve mission-critical conversations and don't often have the time or opportunity for professional development," said Jennifer Archer, program director for community engagement at The University of Toledo Medical Center. "The LEAD program has given me the opportunity to focus on my professional development, while getting to spend intentional time connecting with other leaders from both 'sides' of campus.

"The program also gives me the chance to look at my role in a broader perspective, and through the internal relationships I've now been able to build with my cohort, better leverage my connections in the community for the University."

"The LEAD program has been a revelation for me personally," said Robert Woodley, program manager for retention in the Office of Multicultural Student Success. "The trainings, speakers, and my mentor has provided me with a focus on my current role as well as setting a path of where I see myself in the future."

"I cannot begin to explain how valuable the LEAD program has been to my personal and professional development," added Dillon Horter, associate director of development in athletics. "The program has provided exceptional opportunities to establish meaningful relationships with colleagues and leaders across campus. My cohort, which features talented professionals from across the institution, has truly inspired me to think bigger, bolder, and more creatively. I believe you win with people. We have some very talented and dedicated people at UToledo."

Interested staff members should complete an application form expressing their interest. Additionally, deans, vice presidents and other senior leaders may recommend an employee by submitting a nomination form on his or her behalf. Forms and additional information are available at the LEAD Program website.

The nomination period is open through Monday, Oct. 21. Participants selected to the program will be notified by the end of November. The LEAD program runs from January through December 2025.

In addition to the LEAD Program, The University of Toledo offers other professional development opportunities for employees including open workshops such as CliftonStrengths, Emotional Intelligence and Change Management as well as many others.

Additionally, the Training and Organizational Development team offers management and leadership training, including New Manager Trainings, Succession Planning and the Leadership Development Series. UToledo also has partnered with LinkedIn Learning to provide more than 16,000 online training courses available to all staff and faculty.