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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 should be experienced senior managers, functional directors, or chairs who desire for a more demanding leadership positions within the next two to four years. All applicants must have been at UAB for two years.

  • NOMINATION
  • 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


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.”

Congratulations to our Blaze Leadership Academy Alumni 2024-25!

Jacqueline Alexander Director-Student Media Student Media
Jason Anderson Developmental Director Senior-Management Athletics Office of VP for UAB Advancement
Jeffery Bridges Director-Facilities Planning and Management Department of Medicine Chair Office
Kimberly Carr Associate Professor Pediatric Dentistry
Edith Castleberry HRP Manager College of Arts and Sciences
Amy Dean Director-Administrative Operations-SPH Biostatistics
Randall Fields Grants & Contracts Officer Senior Office of Sponsored Programs
Shemeka Gillispie Operations Manager-SRU Survey Research Unit
Alice Harding Associate Director-Grants & Contracts Admin Office of Sponsored Programs
Jeffrey Jessee Director-Server & Systems Support-ENT Systems & Server Support
Peter Jones Associate Professor Political Science and Public Administration
Maree Jones Director-Social Media Strategy Office of Marketing & Communications
Rajesh Kana Professor/Associate Dean Psychology
Gordon Fisher Professor and Ass. Dean of Research School of Education
Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee Associate Professor Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology
Andrea Osborne Assistant Director-Animal Research Program Animal Resources Program
Monique Silas Director-Administration and Fiscal Affairs School of Education Dean's Office
John Updegraff Director Student Success Nursing Student Success
Charles White Director-Telecommunications Scvs-Enterprise Telecommunications