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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Blaze Leadership Academy aims to develop high-potential leaders who desire to grow and contribute more to UAB. This Leadership Academy develops foundational skills and new mindsets to lead and manage effectively in a complex, changing environment. The program includes developmental assessments, opportunities to develop relationships with colleagues across UAB, and content centered on UAB Shared Values  opens a new website and Leadership Expectations . opens a new website

OBJECTIVES

  • Identify strengths and opportunities to develop as a leader.
  • Build connections to expand your network across UAB.
  • Gain actionable insights to develop new mindsets and behaviors to adapt to a changing world.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Participants should be experienced senior managers, functional directors, program directors, or chairs who desire for a more demanding leadership positions within the next two to four years. All applicants must have been at UAB for two years.

  • NOMINATION
  • SELECTION
    Nominees will receive a link to a survey application that must be completed within three weeks of receipt. Applicants will be reviewed by a selection committee using the following criteria:

    • Experience: Candidate manages a team or a major program and has been at UAB for at least two years.
    • Capability: Candidate performs exceptionally well in their current role.
    • Potential: Candidate is seen as someone who will continue to advance at UAB and has demonstrated a commitment to growth and development.
    A nomination does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

EXPECTATIONS

  • PARTICIPANTS
    Attendance
    • Sessions are on Fridays once a month fall through spring.
    • Participants must be able to commit to all sessions.
    Time Commitment
    • In addition to scheduled sessions, participants should expect to dedicate time outside of the Friday sessions (for readings, assessments, projects).
  • LEADERS
    You are the sponsor for your nominated participant. As the sponsor we expect you to:
    • Meet with participant before, during, and after the program
    • Provide detailed comments in 360 Feedback Assessment and schedule a follow-up meeting
    • Support their attendance to all sessions
    • Attend the Capstone in May

PAST PARTICIPANTS


WHAT GRADUATES ARE SAYING

TEAM ROLES
“This process involved growing each other in our team roles through coaching and reflection, gaining a better understanding of communication dynamics both among ourselves and across UAB, recognizing the importance of good stewardship of university resources, {and} realizing the potential for our project to mitigate conflicts and address inefficiencies.

 

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
"We’ve discussed throughout this impactful program that effective leadership is reflected in these ways – good communication and authentically listening.”

 

TRUST 
"At its core, it is a reflection of trust in your group, which invites trust in return.”

Congratulations to our Blaze Leadership Academy Alumni 2025-26!

Kristina Barlow Director-Student & Academic Services-Grad School Graduate School Dean's Office'
Raj Boddupalli Information Systems Manager II Biostatistics
Mamie Coats Associate Professor and Co-Directort Biomedical & Health Science MS Program
Clayton Dickson Associate Professor School of Health Professions
Dr. Tiffany Ervin Assistant Professor, Interim BSN Pathway Director Nursing Acute, Chronic & Continuing Care
Charlotte Ford Manager-Human Resources Training & Operations HRM Data Systems
Jennifer Griffin Executive Director-Student Engagement Student Involvement and Leadership
Kate Harris Director-Prospect Research Office of AVP Advancement Services
Khadka Chandni Project Director Strategic Initiatives
Lauren Tarpley McGibboney Associate Director-IRB Office Inst. Review Board for Human Use-IRB
Haley Nolen Program Director I Collat School of Business Dean's Office n
Nicole Otero Program Director II Offiuce of Academic Initiatives & Programs
Barbara Perry Director-Trademarks & Licensing Office of Marketing & Communications
Matthew Phillips Director of Clinical Placement Nursing Academic Affairs
Dr. Bill Reed Professor School of Health Professions
Jeff Steele Business Officer I CAS-Biology
Lee Stone Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety Environmental Health & Safety
Walter Ward Professor/Chair CAS-Department of History
Amanda Watts Director IACUC Inst. Animal Care and Use Committee
Dr. Ping Zhang Senior Faculty (Professor) & Director of Research, Department of Pediatric Dentistry School of Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry