Academy for Scholars as Leaders

Strong leadership is essential for faculty success, not just in administration, but in the everyday reality of juggling research demands, teaching loads, and service. Research leaders must balance heavy workloads, build teams rooted in trust and collaboration, and navigate conflicts, not just within their research groups, but across departments, colleges, and the broader LSU community. This program is designed to help research leaders tackle these challenges head-on and advance the research mission, equipping them with the skills to influence, mentor, and drive impactful research. Investing in leadership is not just about career growth; it strengthens research productivity, fosters collaboration, and helps shape a stronger academic culture at LSU and beyond. 

About the Program 

Through this year-long experience, developed in partnership with Academic Impressions, a nationally recognized leader in higher education professional development, participants will: 

• Engage in a two-day in-person immersive kickoff workshop in August to build foundational leadership skills and establish a strong peer network.
• Participate in monthly in-person sessions led by a steering committee member, applying leadership principles to real-world faculty challenges, sharing experiences, and gaining feedback.
• Conclude with a one-day in-person workshop in May, focusing on effective team-building strategies, personal reflection, and mapping out future leadership growth. 

Eligibility 

We are seeking to identify faculty who possess a growth mindset and are eager to practice their leadership in new ways, reflect on their strengths and opportunities for growth, and create a shared network of like-minded research faculty across LSU’s campus. 

To be eligible:    

• Serve as a current LSU faculty member at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure
• Exhibit strong interest in personal growth and development, including understanding personal leadership, creating a culture of leadership and collaboration in your research unit, and the ability to develop future leaders.
• Commit to fully participate in all in-person program sessions and supplemental virtual activities throughout the fall and spring semesters. 

Timeline

The Office of Academic Affairs seeks nominations from deans, associate deans, and department chairs and opens applications to faculty who have been recognized for their research in the last three years. Applications open for the following academic year's cohort in May. 

Sample Schedule

 

Cohorts