UCO-Based Educators' Leadership Academy Welcomes 2026 Higher Education Department Chair Academy Class

July 31, 2026 - 10:17

The Educators' Leadership Academy, based at the University of Central Oklahoma, has announced the selection of 23 higher education professionals for its 2026 Higher Education Department Chair Academy. This year's cohort brings together faculty and administrators from colleges and universities across the state, all of whom are either currently serving as department chairs or preparing to step into that role.

The Chair Academy is designed to address the specific challenges that come with academic leadership at the department level. Participants will spend the next several months working through a curriculum that covers strategic planning, faculty development, conflict resolution, and budget management. The program also emphasizes practical skills like effective communication and navigating the often complex relationships between faculty, deans, and central administration.

One of the key goals of the academy is to help new and aspiring chairs move beyond their disciplinary training and build the administrative toolkit needed to support their departments. Many faculty members are promoted to chair positions without formal leadership preparation, and this program aims to fill that gap with structured, peer-based learning.

The 2026 class will meet regularly over the course of the academic year, with sessions led by experienced administrators and previous academy graduates. The program is part of a broader effort by the Educators' Leadership Academy to strengthen leadership pipelines within Oklahoma's higher education system. By investing in department chairs, the academy hopes to create a lasting impact on faculty morale, student success, and institutional effectiveness across the state.