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 - 1 or 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 10, 2025
November 14, 2025
December 12, 2025
January 16, 2026
February 13, 2026
March 13, 2026
April 10, 2026
May 8, 2026
June 12, 2026

Facilitators

Vice-Chancellors-SSAOs
- Vitaliano Figueroa, UW La Crosse
- Greg Heinselman, UW Eau Claire
- Gail Sims-Auberts 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
- Al Thompson, UW Stevens Point
- Sandi Scott, UW Stout
- Harry Anderson, UW Superior
- Kristin Fillhouer, UW Whitewater
- Laura Kite, UW-Madison
- Julie Amon, UW-Madison
UWL SAA Doctoral Faculty
- Tori Svoboda