Advanced Leadership Academy enriches lives of many UT students

About 100 University of Toledo students from across campus took a major step to enhance their personal and professional lives recently as they participated in the fifth annual Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA), presented by the College of Business and Innovation.

Students were invited to participate in the ALA based on their academic and professional records of success as well as the recommendation of graduate faculty.  Academy members included masters and Ph.D. students from most colleges within the University.

“It is always very exciting to bring together some of our best graduate students from across our campus to link up with outstanding leaders from a wide variety of professions and disciplines," said Dr. Clint Longenecker, Stranahan Professor of Management and ALA Program Coordinator.  "It is a true cross campus learning experience, spread out over four half-day sessions."

"This Academy exposes students to cutting edge leadership theory and practices," he added. "All disciplines, be it engineering, healthcare, pharmacy, business or science, need leadership.”

Students had the opportunity to learn success and leadership principles from a diverse group of speakers that included Steven Cavanaugh, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of HCR Manorcare; Chad Bringman, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northwest Ohio;   Joseph Zerbey, President and General Manager of The Blade; Randy Oostra, President and Chief Executive Officer for ProMedica Health System; and Tricia Cullop, Head Coach, Women's Basketball, The University of Toledo.

"My reaction after completing this program is simply, WOW," stated Robert Phillips, a graduate research assistant in the UT Department of Civil Engineering. "I learned many skills that are sure to benefit me throughout my academic and professional careers, and it was an overall great experience. Being able to hear some of the most successful local leaders and learn from their stories provided a tremendous learning experience. Thank you for facilitating this opportunity."

Chandi Patel, RN, graduate research assistant at the UT College of Nursing, said,  "The presentations, panelists and all the networking opportunities were phenomenal."

Dr. Longenecker thanked David Wolf, President of Perstorp Polyols, and Michael Miller, Chairman and CEO of Waterford Bank, for providing scholarships for the students to participate, as well as COBI Interim Dean Thomas Sharkey for his support of the program.