Leadership Institute

About the ASU Leadership Institute

Each year, the ASU Leadership Institute, sponsored by ASU Alumni, accepts a cohort of up-and-coming and current leaders for a professional and personal leadership development program. This structured nine-month program takes an in-depth look at the university and its institutional objectives to demonstrate excellence, access and impact, and the importance of higher education. During the program, participants meet ASU renowned professors, practitioners and executive leaders.

The ASU Leadership Institute broadens the perspectives of leaders on critical issues facing our region. During ASU Innovation Days, the program increases awareness of how higher education, business and community can succeed together. The ASU Leadership Institute works to enlighten, inspire and transform leaders from diverse professions and communities.

Participants must demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership, civic engagement and making a difference in their communities. Successful candidates from the private, public and nonprofit sectors are chosen through a competitive selection process held in late spring. The program is specially designed to help participants develop and understand critical leadership skills. The Class of 2020 will participate in a leadership assessment tool that will provide in-depth analysis and insights that identify key strengths to further develop and areas to enhance. Each ASU Innovation Day will feature a leadership panel or program featuring top educators and experts in many fields, including business, consulting, nonprofit management, ethics, media and military service.

The ASU Leadership Institute immerses participants in the culture and assets that are essential to ASU’s future with behind-the-scenes tours. The institute provides a transformative experience, inspiring leaders to innovate and strengthen the community. After completing of the program, leaders will be equipped to serve on ASU boards, to mentor students, create scholarships and serve as community ambassadors.

Questions about the ASU Leadership Institute? Contact Keriann Espersen at 480-965-7781.

Application to the ASU Leadership Institute is open to all degreed ASU alumni who have demonstrated community involvement through participation in at least two organizations, who were involved as a student in organizations and clubs on campus or currently involved with ASU, and who are current contributing members of the ASU Alumni Association. Applications for Class 2 (2019–20) are now closed. Check back in January 2020 to apply for Class 3.

The written application is weighted equally as the candidate interview. It is important that candidates devote adequate time to the written application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. To complete the written application process, you must submit the online application and provide the following:

Your resume.
A personal statement of 300–500 words.
Two letters of recommendation.
- One must be from your current employer.
- One must be from a community organization in which you are involved or have been involved.
A nonrefundable application fee of $50.
The tuition for the ASU Leadership Institute is $1,750. Participants can avail of an early-bird tuition price of $1,500 if paid in full by Aug. 15. The tuition covers full participation in all ASU Innovation Days, all materials, and meals during the Institute.

A select number of candidates will be interviewed for approximately 30 minutes each by an ASU Leadership Institute selection panel. Applications will be scored by how well candidates demonstrate leadership competencies during the interview and the written application.

The ASU Leadership Institute selection panel will approve members of the upcoming class in June of each year. Applications for Class 2 (2019–20) are now closed. Check back in January 2020 to apply for Class 3, or submit your interest to Tonya Gray at 480-965-0093. All candidates will be notified after the approval process, and those who are not selected will be encouraged to apply for the next class.

The 2020 program runs from August to April, beginning with an orientation, continuing with one full program day each month and concluding with a graduation ceremony. In addition to attending the program, participants will be required to complete a team-based community impact project.

The requirements below must be met to qualify for successful completion of the program. Attendance is mandatory at orientation, the first ASU Innovation Day and graduation (no exceptions). If you cannot commit to the schedule, please consider applying at a time when you can commit to the time requirements. Requirements:

Attendance on all program days. One excused absence is allowed to meet graduation requirements.
Participation in an ASU Impact team project.
Attendance at orientation.
Attendance at graduation.
One-time participation in a panel.

The curriculum elements of the ASU Leadership Institute include Innovation Days, social events and the opportunity to participate in a panel.

ASU Innovation Days
Once a month, from August to April, participants spend a day focusing on critical components of higher education and ASU. Each ASU Innovation Day features guest speakers who are experts in their respective fields. A tour of resources on ASU campuses is also included.
Social events
Social events include opportunities to interact with your institute classmates through the ASU/Sun Devil Impact Project, opportunities to attend ASU athletic events and a leadership-style exercise.
Panel element
Participants will be asked to share their insights with current ASU students, members of Class II of the program, the ASU Alumni Association Board of Directors and National Alumni Council, or the Trustees of ASU. This is a one-time commitment.

What is the ASU Leadership Institute?
The ASU Leadership Institute immerses leaders in the culture and assets essential to ASU’s future and the impact of higher education on society. During this structured nine-month program, participants will meet renowned professors and practitioners at ASU as well as university executive leaders. ASU Leadership provides a transformative experience inspiring leaders to innovate and strengthen our community.

Where can I get more information on the program?
This website serves as a guide to provide information about the program, application and selection processes, and answers to frequently asked questions about the program.

Who can apply?
The program is open to all ASU alums who are interested in serving their community and ensuring the future of higher education. We’re looking for Sun Devils who will enjoy spending focused time at their alma mater and with the leaders of the country’s No. 1 university for innovation (U.S. News & World Report, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), who will successfully complete the program, and who will stay involved with ASU upon completion of this program.

How do I apply?The application process is open from January to May annually. If you’ve missed the deadline, please feel free to submit your interest for Class 3 to Tonya Gray at 480-965-0093.

Will you consider applicants from outside the Phoenix metropolitan area?
Absolutely. All participants will be required to fulfill time and project requirements at their own expense in addition to the application and tuition fees.

What is the time commitment, and how long are the program days?
The time commitment for the ASU Leadership Institute includes nine ASU Innovation Days (9 a.m.–4 p.m.), the program orientation, graduation, ASU/Sun Devil Impact Project and one-time service on a leadership panel. Attendance is mandatory for the orientation, ASU Innovation Day #1 and graduation (absolutely no exceptions). If you cannot commit to the full commitment, please consider applying at another time when it better suits your schedule.

What is the schedule for the academy?
For Class 2, the ASU Leadership Institute will follow this schedule.
Orientation: Aug. 13, 2019, 4–7 p.m.
Innovation Days (9 a.m.–4 p.m.):
Aug. 30, 2019
Sept. 20, 2019
Oct. 25, 2019
Nov. 15, 2019
Dec. 13, 2019
Jan. 24, 2020
Feb. 21, 2020
March 20, 2020
April 24, 2020 (includes graduation)

What are the topics for the program days?
Among the topics will be: an overarching presentation on the structure and impact of the ASU enterprise, health initiatives and significant partnerships; Sun Devil Athletics; student engagement; applied technology; universal learner; K-12 and pre-college education; applied use research; design and the arts; and the latest innovations from ASU.

How much does the ASU Leadership Institute cost?
The tuition fees are $1,750 and due Aug. 31. There is early-bird pricing of $1,500 if paid in full by Aug. 15. The tuition covers full participation in all ASU Innovation Days, all materials and meals during the institute.

Is there a tuition refund policy if an employee withdraws or leaves the company?
The ASU Alumni Association will reimburse 50 percent of the tuition costs if the participant withdraws prior to the start of the program. Due to the nature of the program, reimbursements are not available after the start of the program, and both the participant and his/her employer will be liable for any unpaid tuition balance.

How do employers benefit by sponsoring an applicant?
Employers benefit from an employee’s improved leadership and team and problem-solving skills. Through their employee’s involvement, employers gain access to a broad network of prestigious leadership contacts, extensive knowledge of higher education and its impact on society, and how the No. 1 university for innovation prepares the next generation of leaders. Through this nine-month program, participants will learn the value and strength of individual influence on impacting change.

Does an individual need his/her employer’s permission to apply?
Yes. All participants must have their employer’s permission to participate, and the participants must indicate the commitment on the application form.

I do not work for a company; I own my business. Can I apply?
Absolutely. In this case, please submit a letter of recommendation from another source such as a mentor, business partner, former professor, former colleague, etc.

What are the expectations upon completion of the program?
After successful completion of the program, we want participants to stay involved in the ASU Leadership Institute, become involved in the university by serving on a board or council, help create and/or fundraise for student scholarships, serve as ambassadors for ASU in the community, and help ensure the ongoing success of this program.