President’s Leadership Academy

Mission Statement

The President’s Leadership Academy (PLA) is dedicated to fostering, promoting and supporting leadership and professional development among Shippensburg University’s faculty and staff. Through PLA, participants will enhance their capacity to strengthen the university’s identity, culture, and long-term success.

The PLA provides continuous executive-level professional development opportunities, empowering faculty and staff to implement innovative strategies that align with and advance Shippensburg University’s mission and vision. Engaged faculty and staff will also cultivate their individual leadership competence across the year.

Goals

• Cultivate participants’ advanced leadership skills and competencies that enable them to drive innovation and positive change within the university.
• Promote participants’ competence in effectively aligning their actions and initiatives with Shippensburg University’s mission and vision.
• Strengthen the university’s identity and culture through leadership skill development that promotes inclusivity, collaboration, and shared values.
• Foster continuous professional development among faculty and staff to enhance their career trajectories and contributions to the university.
• Empower participants to design projects that have a lasting impact on the university’s long-term success.
• Build a robust network of leaders within the university who can collaborate across departments and roles to achieve common goals.
• Prepare participants to act as ambassadors for the PLA and mentors for future leaders, ensuring the sustainability of leadership excellence at the university.

Outcomes

Presidents Leadership Academy Scholars will:

• Participants will develop and refine critical leadership competencies, including strategic thinking, decision-making, communication, and team building. They will be equipped with the skills necessary to lead initiatives and drive positive change within their respective departments and across the university.
• Participants will emerge as skilled communicators and advocates, capable of articulating the university’s vision, mission, and initiatives to diverse audiences both within and beyond the university community. They will be prepared to engage stakeholders and foster a shared sense of purpose.
• Participants will acquire a comprehensive understanding of Shippensburg University’s operations, challenges, and opportunities. This insider’s perspective will empower them to make informed decisions and lead effectively within the university’s unique context.
• Participants will build a strong network of relationships with fellow faculty, staff, and university leaders. This network will facilitate ongoing collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support in pursuing common goals and enhancing the university’s identity and culture.
• Participants will complete a project that directly contributes to enhancing the student experience, strengthening the university’s culture, or advancing a key strategic priority.
• Participants will take on the role of ambassadors for the PLA, promoting the academy’s mission and values within the university and the broader community. They will also be prepared to mentor and support future cohorts, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of leadership development efforts at Shippensburg University.

For more information or questions contact: 

Presidents Office at 717-477-1301 or president@ship.edu.