At UT, we are committed to supporting faculty so they can thrive and succeed. With a strong mentoring program across the career lifespan, professional and leadership development opportunities, and university support for teaching and research innovation, faculty members at UT are poised to make a difference.
We offer several programs to help faculty grow and learn, connect with others from across campus, and pursue their career goals.
Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities
Cultivating Leaders in Academic Excellence
The Office of the Provost offers leadership development workshops to faculty interested in campus leadership to cultivate a diverse pool of talented leaders who can contribute effectively to academic governance and institutional decision-making. These workshops provide valuable training and mentorship opportunities that empower faculty to enhance their leadership skills, build networks across departments, and foster a collaborative and inclusive university community.
There are two tracks: Leadership Acceleration and Development for Rising Stars (LADRS) and Leadership Enhancement and Peer Support (LEAPS). Both year-long cohorts combine individual programming with group programming where participants come together for learning, networking, and fellowship. Both tracks are open to all full-time faculty (tenure-track and non-tenure-track).
Empowering scholars, enriching perspectives
The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (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. 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.
They offer a 12-week online workshop called the Faculty Success Program, which aims to help non-tenured faculty, tenure-tracked faculty, and tenured faculty improve their writing and research productivity, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The Provost’s Office awards scholarships to faculty for the Faculty Success Program. For more information, contact vpfacultyaffairs@utk.edu.
Igniting Leadership Potential in Academia
The SEC Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) is designed to identify, nurture, and empower the next generation of academic leaders within the SEC member institutions. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips participants with the essential skills, knowledge, and insights necessary to excel in leadership roles in higher education.
Through a blend of experiential learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the SEC ALDP aims to develop leaders who can drive positive change, foster innovation, and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence. It is a testament to the SEC’s commitment to strengthening leadership within the academic community and shaping the future of education.
Visit the SEC ALDP page to see program goals and participants.