Skip to main content

Organization & Professional Development

University Leadership Education and Development (ULEAD)

icon of person pointing at a presentation board

Back to top  

The ULEAD program develops highly skilled and motivated leaders to meet the challenges of higher education’s changing environment. Participants learn from world-renowned faculty, outside experts and each other.

They gain the practical insight, knowledge, skills and confidence needed for leadership effectiveness through classroom sessions, active assessments of leadership characteristics, and participation in an intensive, practical project that addresses a major campus issue.

Applications for the 2025 Spring ULEAD session are open
until 11:59 p.m. on November 27, 2024.

Apply for ULEAD   Submit a ULEAD Letter of Recommendation

About ULEAD

The Office of Human Resources has designed a comprehensive program that addresses the core characteristics and skills needed to lead effectively in an academic environment and includes:

  • Professional development classroom sessions on practical leadership topics.
  • Team projects focused on real higher education issues and culminating with written reports and public presentations to senior administrators.
  • Projects expected to produce practical and actionable outcomes for UNC-Chapel Hill and NC Central University.
  • A personal leadership development plan derived from a 360-degree feedback assessment.
  • Peer coaching to enhance the practice of coaching and listening skills, promote networking, and provide support and feedback for fellow participants.
  • Expand the leadership knowledge, skills and abilities critical in a changing higher education environment.
  • Increase awareness of professional strengths and developmental needs.
  • Network with other leaders at UNC-Chapel Hill and NC Central University to provide ongoing feedback and support systems.
No fee to attend the program. By investing in the careers of its high-potential leaders, the University seeks to help managers:

  • increase their job effectiveness.
  • contribute to the online success of our educational institutions.
  • advance the quality of work life for all.

Because of the high volume of applicants competing to participate in the program, the condensed nature of the program schedule, and the high program costs, the University requires that participants commit to attend all scheduled events. All classes and events (with the exception of Orientation) are in person and have no virtual/remote option.

The core components of ULEAD include six class days (on five subjects), a 360 assessment, a team paper and a team presentation. ULEAD classes include:

  • Crucial Conversations
  • Leading Change
  • Leading Teams
  • Negotiation
  • Strategic Innovation
  • Working in assigned teams, participants will complete a project focusing on a real University issue. The project is designed to provide participants the opportunity to:

    • Explore areas of management and leadership in depth.
    • Gain practical experience using the knowledge and skills presented in classes
    • Provide meaningful input on an important University topic.
    • Network and create cross-campus growth opportunities.

    Project teams will meet at the end of classes and between classes. Each ULEAD participant must participate fully in both the project work and the presentation.


    Eligibility

    ULEAD targets high-performing, high-potential leaders in higher education; the program is not remedial and is not meant for new managers.

    • SHRA or EHRA permanent employee who is currently working in a managerial role (directly responsible for at least one lower supervisor) or who manages a program that is University-wide or of significant size and complexity.
    • At least three years total managerial experience
    • At least one year managerial experience at UNC-Chapel Hill, NCCU or comparable experience as a leader of a University-wide enterprise.

    Program Calendar

    January
    Friday, January 24 | EVENT: Orientation

    February
    Thursday, February 6 | CLASS: Crucial Conversations Day 1
    Friday, February 7 | CLASS: Crucial Conversations Day 2
    Friday, February 21 | CLASS: Negotiation

    March
    Thursday, March 6 | CLASS: Leading Change
    Friday, March 21 | CLASS: Strategic Innovation

    April
    Friday, April 11 | CLASS: Leading Teams

    May
    Monday, May 5 – Thursday, May 8 | EVENT: Presentation Rehearsals
    Thursday, May 15 | EVENT: Presentations

    June
    Monday, June 2 | Final Papers Due
    Thursday, June 5 | EVENT: Graduation


    How to Apply

    The application period for ULEAD 2025 will close on November 27, 2024. All applications will be reviewed by a committee, and program acceptances will be sent out two weeks after the closing date.

    A total of 25 applicants will be accepted from UNC-Chapel Hill and NC Central University.

    • Support by one’s current direct manager, expressed in a letter of recommendation accompanying the application form.
    • Approval from the applicant’s departmental leadership.
    • Availability and commitment to attend all sessions.
    • Completed application form by nominee, which includes:
      • Your role and work in the University.
      • Your current leadership aspirations.
      • Your past and/or current development activities geared towards leadership.
      • Your personal objectives for the program.
      • Your thoughts on excellence in leadership.

    You may use this list of application questions to prepare for your submission.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions or comments regarding the University Leadership Education and Development program, contact Rochelle Stojnic at 919-843-2778 or training_development@unc.edu.