Provost Leadership Program

About the Program

The Provost Leadership Program (PLP) was adapted from the previous UM System Leadership Development Program (LDP) for MU faculty leaders.

While elements of the LDP were retained, other things are different as we customized some of the experience to MU leadership. The major components of this program will include assessments, faculty panels, topics for reading and discussion, (such as building teams, inclusive leadership, conflict management, etc.) MU-specific topics (such as budget, legal issues, communications, etc.) and leadership lunches.

PLP affirms the vital role of faculty leaders and seeks to enhance their leadership competencies within the academic setting. We recognize that our current and emerging faculty leaders define the direction and values of their department and school. In turn, these leaders shape how MU discovers, disseminates, preserves, and applies knowledge.

Program Goals and Benefits

The goal of the program has been to develop academic leaders who will guide MU into the future. Through the program, members are able to come together for development and growth as leaders, while expanding and enriching their professional networks on personal and institutional levels. Upon completion of the program, PLP members will have gained practical skills to:

  • Offer guidance and support to the faculty
  • Strategically plan for the future of an academic school or department
  • Work with a network of peers to tackle leadership concerns
  • Build commitment among department colleagues toward academic excellence and the MU mission

PLP will consist of 8 sessions between September and April on the MU campus.

Session Dates

  • September 14, 2023
  • October 11, 2023
  • November 9, 2023
  • December 6, 2023
  • January 25, 2024
  • February 21, 2024
  • March 21, 2024
  • April 17, 2024

The topics will include:

  • Leadership identity
  • Inclusive leadership
  • Building teams
  • Conflict management
  • Making change
  • Peer Coaching (2 sessions)
  • Next steps for you

Cohort Directory, 2023-2024

Benjamin Black, Child Health
Erin Bullett, Psychological Sciences
Samuel Cohen, English
Carli Conklin, Kinder Institute/Law
Dennis Crouch, Law
Kristofferson Culmer, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Natalie Downer, Biological Science
Julie Elman, Women’s & Gender Studies
Brandi French, Neurology
Lisa Goran, Special Education
Alisa Hutchison, Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
Laura Johnston, Journalism
Christopher Josey, Communication
Benjamin Knapp, Natural Resources
Joanne Kramer, Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
Crystal Lim, Health Psychology
Mengshi Lin, Food Science
David Mendoza Cozatl, Plant Sciences
Pilar Mendoza Middelkoop, Education Leadership & Policy Analysis
Julie Miller, Nursing
Taylor Nelson, Medicine – Infectious Disease
Stevanie Neuman, Accountancy
Scott Rector, Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
Jerod Skyberg, Veterinary Pathobiology
John Tummons, Applied Social Sciences
Doug Valentine, Honors College
Roseanna Zia, Engineering

For questions about the Provost Leadership Program, please contact Carrie Nicholson (nicholsonc@missouri.edu) or Alexandra Socarides (socaridesa@missouri.edu).