The KU Public Management Center

KUPMC Emerging Leaders Academy

The Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) offers a professional development opportunity for promising non-managerial staff to put them on the fast-track for successful public sector careers. In doing so the program benefits not only the attendees, but also offers agencies a powerful succession planning tool.

ELA participants gain knowledge and skills in leadership, organizational dynamics, teamwork, and career planning to help them identify and achieve their professional goals while increasing their effectiveness as public servants. Agencies gain a more prepared and engaged talent pool to draw from as they plan for the future.

Standard tuition for the Emerging Leaders Academy is $1,000; the KU staff rate is $750. Tuition covers all class meetings and related materials.

The next Emerging Leaders Academy will begin in late February 2012. Contact Noel Rasor (noel@ku.edu) to be notified when details are available.

The Emerging Leaders Academy is designed for public servants who show potential for leadership and who want to:

Position themselves to move into positions of increasing responsibility within their organizations
Meet and learn from experienced practitioners
Broaden their scope of understanding of elements crucial to successful careers in public service
Identify new ideas they can implement to improve their workplaces
Prepare themselves to handle challenges in their departments and organizations
Better understand how they can positively influence organizational culture to achieve the agency's mission
Prepare themselves to compete for promotional opportunities and to be successful in taking on new responsibilities

Benefits to your agency

A prepared "next generation" ready to step up as baby boomers retire
Staff members who recognize the importance of and opportunities in knowledge management and succession planning
Increased engagement of promising staff who recognize the organization's commitment to their growth
Employees with greater understanding of the breadth and scope of public service
A stronger understanding of the skills and goals of your team members and what they need from you to be effective

ELA students

Benefits for Learners

Developed by practitioners for practitioners, ELA is more than just a series of professional development classes. Each class is led by experienced public servants who share their experiences with the learners. Grounded in real-world activities, each meeting offers valuable takeaways focused on both immediate practical use and long term career success. The Emerging Leaders Academy is designed to help participants develop:

Improved ability to work effectively with others and make contributions in a team environment
Increased awareness of their own personal styles and values and how to leverage these for success
Confidence in taking on increased responsibilities and handling decision-making opportunities
Improved understanding of the "big picture" of public sector work
Greater willingness to take risks—and to accept the rewards that come with them
Cross-application of their learning to other aspects of their lives

Enrollment Information

Enrollment in the Emerging Leaders Academy requires submission of a complete Application Form , a letter from the applicant indicating the intent to participate fully and complete all program requirements, and a letter of recommendation from the applicant's supervisor. Please send application materials to the address or fax number on the application form.