Student Affairs Leadership Academy

Objective

The objective of the Student Affairs Leadership Academy is to support higher education professionals who are interested in growing professionally within Student Affairs. Additionally, the Student Affairs Leadership Academy will help UW institutions with succession planning and diversifying the talent pipeline.

Format

Year long experience
Hybrid: Virtual Program and In-person
1 day per month 8:30 am - 2 pm
Session will include Guest lecturers, readings, case studies, leadership inventory, small group and large group discussions
Opportunities for information interviews for Student Affairs officers and campus visits
Culminating in a final project at a UW Institution

Benefits

Recognition at the Annual End of the Year Student Affairs Recognition Program
Certificate of Completion
Enhanced Professional network within the UW system

Topics/Competencies

Crisis Management
Strategic Planning/Strategic Goals
Budget and Finances
Supervision
Media/News
Diversity and Inclusion
Fund raising
Decision making
Board/Cabinet Relations
Town & Gown Relations
Communication
Organizational Development/Strategies
Higher Ed Law or Student Conduct
UW System overview and history

Session Dates

October 16, 2026
(UW campus TBD)
November 13, 2026
December 11, 2026
January 15, 2027
February 12, 2027
March 12, 2027
April 9, 2027
May 7, 2027
Final Celebration, June 4, 2027
(UW campus TBD)

Facilitators

Vice-Chancellors-SSAOs
- Stacy Narcotta-Welp, UW La Crosse
- Gregg Heinselman, UW Eau Claire
- Gail Sims-Aubert, UW Green Bay
- Lori Reesor, UW Madison
- Kelly Haag, UW Milwaukee
- Kate Demerse, UW Oshkosh
- Tammy McGuckin, UW Parkside
- Kari Hill, UW Platteville
- Micheal Gilmer, UW-River Falls
- Pratima Gandhi, UW Stevens Point
- Sandi Scott, UW Stout Polytechnic
- Harry Anderson, UW Superior
- Kristin Fillhouer, UW Whitewater
- Laura Kite, UW Office of Online and Professional Learning
- Kristen Jasperson, Universities of WI Administration
UWL SAA Doctoral Faculty
- Tori Svoboda