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, 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.
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NOMINATION
- Nominations for the 2025-2026 class begins in the summer.
- For more information, see the Blaze Leadership Academy Fact Sheet.
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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.
EXPECTATIONS
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PARTICIPANTS
Attendance
- Sessions are on Fridays once a month fall through spring.
- Participants must be able to commit to all sessions.
- In addition to scheduled sessions, participants should expect to dedicate time outside of the Friday sessions (for readings, assessments, projects).
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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 2024-25!
| Jacqueline Alexander | Director-Student Media | Student Media |
| Jason Anderson | Developmental Director Senior-Management Athletics | Office of VP for UAB Advancement |
| Jeffery Bridges | Director-Facilities Planning and Management | Department of Medicine Chair Office |
| Kimberly Carr | Associate Professor | Pediatric Dentistry |
| Edith Castleberry | HRP Manager | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Amy Dean | Director-Administrative Operations-SPH | Biostatistics |
| Randall Fields | Grants & Contracts Officer Senior | Office of Sponsored Programs |
| Shemeka Gillispie | Operations Manager-SRU | Survey Research Unit |
| Alice Harding | Associate Director-Grants & Contracts Admin | Office of Sponsored Programs |
| Jeffrey Jessee | Director-Server & Systems Support-ENT | Systems & Server Support |
| Peter Jones | Associate Professor | Political Science and Public Administration |
| Maree Jones | Director-Social Media Strategy | Office of Marketing & Communications |
| Rajesh Kana | Professor/Associate Dean | Psychology |
| Gordon Fisher | Professor and Ass. Dean of Research | School of Education |
| Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee | Associate Professor | Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology |
| Andrea Osborne | Assistant Director-Animal Research Program | Animal Resources Program |
| Monique Silas | Director-Administration and Fiscal Affairs | School of Education Dean's Office |
| John Updegraff | Director Student Success | Nursing Student Success |
| Charles White | Director-Telecommunications Scvs-Enterprise | Telecommunications |