At UT, we are committed to supporting faculty so they can thrive and succeed. Faculty members benefit from a strong mentoring program throughout their careers, as well as professional and leadership development opportunities. They also receive university support for teaching and research innovation, which helps them make a meaningful difference.
In addition to the programs described below, we offer various programs throughout the year to help faculty grow and learn, connect with others from across campus, and pursue their career goals.
LADRs and LEAPs
Cultivating Leaders in Academic Excellence
The Office of the Provost offers leadership development workshops to cultivate a diverse pool of faculty leaders equipped to support academic governance and decision-making. These workshops provide training, mentorship, and opportunities to build cross-campus networks.
Two year-long cohort tracks are available—Leadership Acceleration and Development for Rising Stars (LADRS) and Leadership Enhancement and Peer Support (LEAPS)—combining individual and group programming open to all full-time faculty.
NCFDD
Empowering scholars, enriching perspectives
NCFDD is the leading provider of professional development in higher education, committed to supporting faculty members, postdocs, and graduate students in making successful transitions throughout their careers. Furthermore, NCFDD’s mission is to develop and empower the next generation of academic leaders to improve academic experiences and strengthen higher education.
As an institutional member of the NCFDD, UT faculty members are invited to utilize the wide variety of resources and programs available to them. For more information, contact vpfacultyaffairs@utk.edu.
SEC Academic Leadership Development Program
Igniting Leadership Potential in Academia
The SEC Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) identifies and empowers the next generation of academic leaders within SEC institutions. It offers a comprehensive curriculum with experiential learning, mentorship, and networking to prepare participants for leadership roles in higher education.
The program fosters innovation, academic excellence, and positive change, reflecting the SEC’s commitment to strengthening leadership across its academic community.
These workshops help me to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses as an academic administrator… I also appreciate the opportunity to work with other heads and directors from around campus as we face shared challenges.
Participant
Department Heads Workshop
