Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Human Resources

Learning & Development

Blaze Leadership Academy

Blaze Leadership Academy Header shows a large green rectangle with the capitalized word BLAZE over the words Leadership Academy and with a muted gold flame to the right


PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Blaze Leadership Academy aims to develop high-potential leaders who desire to grow and contribute more to UAB. This Leadership Academy develops foundational skills and new mindsets to lead and manage effectively in a complex, changing environment. The program includes developmental assessments, opportunities to develop relationships with colleagues across UAB, and content centered on UAB Shared Values  opens a new website and Leadership Expectations . opens a new website

OBJECTIVES

  • Identify strengths and opportunities to develop as a leader.
  • Build connections to expand your network across UAB.
  • Gain actionable insights to develop new mindsets and behaviors to adapt to a changing world.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Participants must have two years of experience here at UAB. Senior managers of functions or divisions (Assistant or Associate Directors) or chairs who desire for more demanding leadership positions within the next two to four years.

  • NOMINATION
    • Nominations for the 2024-2025 class begins in the summer.
    • Candidates for the 2024-2025 class were nominated by their Senior Leader (i.e., VP or Dean).
    • For more information, see the Blaze Leadership Academy Fact Sheet.
  • SELECTION
    Nominees will receive a link to a survey application that must be completed within three weeks of receipt. Applicants will be reviewed by a selection committee using the following criteria:

    • Experience: Candidate manages a team or a major program and has been at UAB for at least two years.
    • Capability: Candidate performs exceptionally well in their current role.
    • Potential: Candidate is seen as someone who will continue to advance at UAB and has demonstrated a commitment to growth and development.
    A nomination does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

EXPECTATIONS

  • PARTICIPANTS
    Attendance
    • Sessions are on Fridays once a month fall through spring.
    • Participants must be able to commit to all sessions.
    Time Commitment
    • In addition to scheduled sessions, participants should expect to dedicate time outside of the Friday sessions (for readings, assessments, projects).
  • LEADERS
    You are the sponsor for your nominated participant. As the sponsor we expect you to:
    • Meet with participant before, during, and after the program
    • Provide detailed comments in 360 Feedback Assessment and schedule a follow-up meeting
    • Support their attendance to all sessions
    • Attend the Capstone in May

PAST PARTICIPANTS

Congratulations to our Blaze Leadership Academy Alumni 2023-24!

WHAT GRADUATES ARE SAYING

TEAM ROLES
“This process involved growing each other in our team roles through coaching and reflection, gaining a better understanding of communication dynamics both among ourselves and across UAB, recognizing the importance of good stewardship of university resources, {and} realizing the potential for our project to mitigate conflicts and address inefficiencies.

 

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
"We’ve discussed throughout this impactful program that effective leadership is reflected in these ways – good communication and authentically listening.”

 

TRUST 
"At its core, it is a reflection of trust in your group, which invites trust in return.”