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 2019 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.
 

Apply now

 

Questions about the ASU Leadership Institute? Contact alissa.serignese@asu.edu or 480-965-2133.

The application for the inaugural class of the ASU Alumni Leadership Academy closed May 31.

For questions about the ASU Leadership Academy, please contact Alissa Serignese at 480-965-2133.

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.

ASU Leadership Institute Class of 2018–19 applications are being accepted April 15–May 31, 2018.

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.

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 Class of 2019 in June 2018. 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 2019 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.

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 and its application and selection process. For more information, email alissa.serignese@asu.edu or call 480-965-2133.

Who can apply?

The program is open to all ASU degreed alumni who have an interest in serving their community and ensuring the future of higher education. The institute seeks Sun Devils who will enjoy spending focused time at their alma mater, with leaders of the country's most innovative university (U.S. News & World Report, 2016, 2017, 2018), and who can successfully complete the program and become involved with ASU afterward.

How do I apply?

The application process is open from April 15–May 31, 2018, for the Class of 2019. If you’ve missed that deadline, please feel free to submit your interest for the Class of 2020.

Will you consider applicants from outside the Phoenix metropolitan area?

Absolutely. All participants will be required to fulfill all time and project requirements at their own expense, in addition to application and tuition fees.

What is the time commitment, and how long are program days?

The time commitment for the ASU Leadership Institute includes nine ASU Innovation Days (9 a.m.–4 p.m.), orientation, graduation, the ASU/Sun Devil Impact project and one-time service on a panel. (Attendance is mandatory for orientation, the first ASU Innovation Day and graduation, with no exceptions.) If you cannot commit to the schedule, please consider applying at another time when it better suits your schedule.

What is the schedule for the institute?

Orientation dates for 2019 institute:

August 14, 2018, 4–7 p.m.

Innovation dates for 2019 institute: 

August 31, 2018, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

September 28, 2018, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

October 26, 2018, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

November 16, 2018, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

December 14, 2018, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

January 25, 2019, 9 a.m.–4 p.m..

February 22, 2019, 9 a.m.–4 p.m..

March 22, 2019, 9 a.m.–4 p.m..

April 26, 2019 (includes graduation)

What topics are covered during program days?

Topics include 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 precollege education; applied-use research; design and the arts; and the latest innovations from ASU.

How much does the ASU Leadership Institute cost?

Tuition fees are $1,500 and due on August 31, 2018. There is early-bird pricing of $1,200 if paid in full by August 14, 2018. The tuition covers full participation in all ASU Innovation Days, all materials and meals during the program.

Is there a tuition refund policy if an employee withdraws or leaves the company?

ASU Alumni will reimburse 50 percent of 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 from sponsoring an applicant?

Employers benefit from an employee’s improved leadership and the team and problem-solving skills developed during the coursework. Through an employee’s involvement, the employer gains access to a broad network of prestigious leadership contacts; extensive knowledge of higher education and its impact on society; and how the nationally recognized most innovative university in the U.S. prepares the next generation of leaders. Through this nine-month program, participants will learn the value and strength of individuals impacting change.

Does an individual need their employer’s permission to apply?

Yes. All participants must have their employer’s permission to participate, and 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.