Case Study: University of Utah
Leading from the Center
New Leadership Academy at the University of Utah
Overview
The New Leadership Academy at the University of Utah accepts 30 fellows each year and seeks to equip these mid-level leaders in higher education with transformative leadership skills and knowledge. In 2017, the program sought more culturally-based models of leadership development and organizational design, particularly as more people of color participated in the program.
Solution
In 2017, the Kahakulei Institute’s founder and principal, Kevin John Fong, joined the New Leadership Academy’s faculty to design and facilitate a series of seminars, particularly focused on leading across cultures and aligning the fellows’ personal values within their professional work. In addition, Kevin provided individual consultation and coaching sessions for each fellow, providing a deeper understanding of their leadership style and how they can navigate change in healthy and productive ways.
Outcome
Since integrating Leading from the Center into the New Leadership Academy in 2017, this innovative fellowship has empowered over 200 fellows to lead from a powerful new paradigm. Kevin’s contribution as a faculty member has been invaluable. The New Leadership Academy is fundamentally more culturally competent and effective in cultivating a spirit of belonging that is paramount for higher education professionals.
“I can’t express how much Kevin’s realness set the tone of this fellowship. His sincerity, wisdom and skill enabled us to build a tight community, and he led us all to a higher level.”