Leak among inaugural class of AASCU ‘Emerging Leaders’

Jeffrey Leak, professor of English, is among 25 candidates selected to participate in the first class of the Emerging Leaders program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

This three-day seminar, scheduled for June 11-14 in Washington, D.C., is designed for promising mid-career professionals and faculty leaders in higher education. Participants were nominated for the Emerging Leaders program by presidents, chancellors and cabinet-level administrators; each participant must have demonstrated to campus leaders the potential for advancement at their campus or another institution.

Nancy Gutierrez, dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, noted, “Jeffrey Leak has demonstrated exceptional leadership for many years in positions of increasing responsibility across widely divergent areas of the University, ranging from positions focused on research and community engagement to faculty governance to athletics. Most recently, he has ably provided leadership as past director of the Center for the Study of the New South, as president of the University Faculty Council and as the faculty athletics representative. It is a tribute to Dr. Leak’s inherent integrity that in every role, he earns the respect and trust of the people he serves.”

“I’ve been afforded leadership opportunities across the campus that represent the complexity and diversity of our University,” said Leak. “The AASCU program is designed to prompt faculty to think in more concrete ways about how we can continue to grow as leaders and serve our respective institutions moving forward, with an emphasis on state colleges and universities.

“My selection is certainly humbling, as there are many faculty who are deserving of such an opportunity,” Leak added. “It’s always uplifting to have your efforts acknowledged within and beyond your institution. But, I also think this honor speaks well about the kind of faculty we have here at UNC Charlotte.”

Participants in the Emerging Leaders program will have the opportunity to engage in a national dialogue with experienced leaders and experts in higher education and to develop a network of colleagues from across the country. The program includes opportunities for hands-on practical exercises, a leadership self-assessment and the development of a plan designed to help participants achieve their leadership goals.