Professional Development

The LEAD Academy is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 cohort.  The application is available below. Applications are due August 25, 2023.

LEAD Academy (Leadership Exploration and Development):

The goal of leadership development at Daytona State College is to develop a college workforce comprised of people with the skills and knowledge to function effectively as leaders and positively impact the college and its students. The purpose of the LEAD Academy (Leadership Exploration and Development) is to develop employee competence in effective leadership through a program that emphasizes practical application of skills and knowledge and maximizes the participant’s ability to support the mission of Daytona State College.

The LEAD Academy is grounded in current literature and best practices. Program content is focused on how Daytona State College functions, how it fits into a larger system, and how decisions are made at the college.

Program schedule and structure

The LEAD Academy will meet one half-day a month from September through May. Meeting locations will vary to give participants an opportunity to visit and tour each campus. Each session agenda will include time for reports and presentations by the participants, speakers or panels of experts who present on the learning topic(s) being addressed that day, interactive exercises or group projects, and discussions. In addition to the 10 scheduled sessions, participants will select and participate in six college immersion activities during the year (e.g. attend a college training or attend a board meeting, volunteer to work at an event sponsored by another department, or make a presentation on a leadership topic). Assigned readings will reinforce competencies and support discussions.  

Completion requirements and recognition

To receive recognition for program completion, each participant must

• Attend at least 8 of the 10 sessions
• Complete at least 6 college immersion assignments and 5 Strengths Snapshots outlined in an Individual Development Plan
• Participate in at least one group project to be presented to the cohort
• Develop a final project or presentation for the final session

Program completion will merit a LEAD Academy certificate at a graduation ceremony in May.

Participant selection process

The LEAD Academy will accept up to 40 participants each year. 

 To be eligible for the program, employees must

• Have successfully completed their probationary period
• Submit a LEAD Academy Application by the due date
• Attach a resume or C.V.
• Obtain their supervisor’s signed authorization to participate

Application materials are due August 25, 2023 and should be emailed to Andrea Gibson or sent via inter-office mail to Daytona campus, building 100, room 413J.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Click below to access the LEAD Academy Application and Authorization