Experiential Learning: Introducing Faculty and Staff to a University Leadership Development Program

Abstract

External changes exacerbate the complexity of managing and leading public secondary institutions (Page & Dimsdale, 2002). Considering the many external governance bodies’ and their sheer influence in post secondary education, it is not surprising many faculty and staff are unclear about their role in meeting a changing institutional world. As key organizational members, faculty and staff have a growing need to know what governance changes and environmental pressures mean to the university and to them. Additionally, university leadership must encourage the involvement of faculty and staff to facilitate these changes. A Leadership Enhancement and Development Program (LEAD) has been instituted at the University of West Florida. Experiential learning is used as the catalyst introducing participants to its program. Key Words: Experiential Learning, Leadership