What is Leadership Samford?
Leadership Samford is a 9-month cohort-driven program that allows Samford faculty and staff opportunities to develop and implement organizational leadership competencies.
Who should apply to be part of Leadership Samford?
All full-time employees who will have at least 2 years of service at Samford by December 31, 2024 are eligible to apply for Leadership Samford.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications open April 12 and close June 5.
What can I expect to learn in this program?
- Explore unique features of Samford University and Christian higher education
- Navigate complex leadership environments
- Develop as an intentionally reflective leader
- Recognize roles and responsibilities as part of a team
- Cultivate a community engaged in service to others
What are some unique features of this program?
- Participants can expect to gain an increased sense of calling, vocation and belonging to the work environment at Samford. Additionally, participants can expect to attain skills that allow them to effectively lead and influence colleagues and teams.
- In addition to the opportunities listed above, participants can expect to gain an in-depth understanding of the history of Samford and its role as a leading institution of Christian higher education.
- Participants who complete the requirements of the program are eligible to receive funding to continue their own leadership development.
Where will Leadership Samford be conducted?
Leadership Samford will utilize a blended instructional method, which means the program will use both face-to-face instruction and also leverage online technology for delivery of course content. Participants will be expected to interact with colleagues and complete assignments in an asynchronous manner online, in addition to regular face-to-face meetings as a cohort and as a member of a smaller group.
In addition, a cardinal feature of Leadership Samford will be 3 planned retreats where participants will engage with the history of Samford and discuss leadership lessons in the context of that institutional history.
Each of the three retreats will examine a unique aspect of Samford’s history. Participants will engage with pivotal inflection points of the institution. They will also learn about the three communities that Samford has called home.
What is the time commitment of the program?
Participants will be expected to attend 3 retreats during their tenure in the Leadership Samford program. In addition to the 3 retreats, participants will meet within their individual cohort teams. Cumulatively and on average, cohort members can expect to spend 1.5-2 hours per week dedicated to the Leadership Samford program.
What is the tentative calendar of events?
Please click here for a calendar of events to determine if Leadership Samford is compatible with your existing commitments.
- April – Call for Applications
- June – Cohort Identified
- Summer – Pre-work Begins
- September – Kickoff Dinner
- October – Retreat 1
- January – Retreat 2
- April – Retreat 3
- May – Celebration Dinner
Who can I contact for additional information?
Interested faculty should reach out to P.J. Hughes (pjhughes@samford.edu).
Interested staff should contact Sie Clay(sclay2@samford.edu).
Testimonials
"The program has helped me build my confidence as a leader and it as equipped me with tools to be more intentional."
"It (Leadership Samford) has deepened my love of Samford and drive in my role. It has sharpened my understanding of how I lead best. I have gained a deeper appreciation for my coworkers and how we can work together."
"Leadership Samford has helped me think of leadership in completely different ways than I ever have before. I didn't realize there were many different types of leadership, I just though people led in ways they thought worked best. Working on the many different styles of leadership and figuring out what style suits me, has been extremely helpful and eye opening."
"Participating in this program has intensified my passion for Samford, and it has made me feel like 'my roots' have grow deeper here. Also, I feel like the activities has helped me identified my strengths and how they can be elevated in my leadership role."
"This program has challenged me to be not only a better leader but a better employee, friend, family member, etc. It's given me an opportunity to examine what I truly believe as a Christian and how that impacts my actions. I'm more conscious of the various personalities and leadership styles and the importance of each one."
"My expectations are far exceeded. It is clear this is not an 'off the shelf' leadership course, and the Leadership Samford team has been thoughtful and meticulous about crafting all aspects of the program."
