Leading Effectively Across the Forest (LEAF) is a premier biennial program designed to help Wake Forest leaders navigate the complexities of a modern university.
By blending personal awareness with critical strategy, LEAF provides a dedicated space to sharpen skills in communication, resilience, and collaborative influence. Whether strengthening current impact or preparing for future roles, participants gain the tools and cohort support necessary to lead with confidence and purpose from any position on campus.
“LEAF was a transformative experience for me, providing the tools I needed to articulate my professional strengths and strategically address growth areas. The personal insights I gathered directly contributed to my success during a recent internal promotion.” — Ansley Tallant, Executive Director, Recruitment and Employment Solutions, Human Resources
Core Objectives and Impact
The LEAF curriculum is built on the philosophy that effective leadership begins with self-discovery and extends to organizational influence. Participants engage with theories and experiential activities that are directly applicable to the challenges of working and leading in institutions of higher education. Through this program, leaders refine their ability to:
- Identify Strengths and Growth Areas: Deepen awareness of the competencies required to lead effectively within the Wake Forest ecosystem.
- Navigate Change and Influence: Enhance the ability to shape work, policies, and practices, even in shifting environments.
- Foster Collaboration: Understand the leader’s role in building strong, productive relationships across departments.
- Integrate Learning: Utilize leadership inventories and peer feedback to apply new concepts directly to day-to-day responsibilities.
Eligibility and Candidate Profile
LEAF is designed for established leaders who hold significant responsibility within the university’s academic and administrative infrastructure.
To ensure a cohesive and impactful cohort experience, applicants must meet specific service milestones and hold roles characterized by high-level oversight.
Prospective participants should fall into one of the following categories:
- Faculty Leaders: Full-time faculty at the rank of associate or above, currently serving in or preparing for leadership roles (such as Department Chair), with at least three years of service at Wake Forest by July 1, 2026.
- Administrative Leaders: Staff at the director level or above who have been employed by the University for at least three years as of July 1, 2026.
Profile of LEAF Participants
Key characteristics of a LEAF participant’s work should include one or more of the following:
- Decision-Making Authority: They have the authority to make important decisions related to their area of responsibility, such as budgeting, personnel, strategic planning, and operational policies.
- Supervision and Oversight: They are responsible for supervising and overseeing the work of other administrators, faculty, and staff within their designated departments or units, which may involve setting performance expectations, providing guidance, and ensuring efficient functioning.
- Strategic Leadership: They contribute to the University’s strategic direction by aligning their department’s goals and initiatives with the broader institutional mission and objectives.
- Resource Allocation: They are responsible for allocating resources, including budgets and personnel, to support the goals and activities of their department or unit.
- Accountability: They are accountable for the performance and outcomes of their department, including achieving academic, financial, and operational goals.
“This program transformed my approach to leadership by increasing my awareness of how my communication style affects others and teaching me to align work with individual strengths. This shift has enabled me to take on broader responsibilities and lead more effectively.”
— Kathleen Stimely, Senior Director, Program Administration, Program for Leadership and Character
Nomination Instructions
Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by a divisional or department leader.
Nominations are due by 12 p.m. (EST) on March 6, 2026. Ensure your submission is complete to be considered.
Application Process
Candidates must be invited to formally apply for the LEAF program.
For consideration, all application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on March 16, 2026.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email once their materials are received and logged.
Selection and Commitment
Following the application deadline, the LEAF Review Committee will evaluate all materials and notify selected cohort members. Full session dates and logistical details will be provided directly to the selected participants upon notification.
To finalize enrollment in the cohort, accepted participants must complete the following:
- Confirm Attendance: Commit to participating in all scheduled program sessions, including a kick-off luncheon in August and all program sessions, which take place one full day per month from September 2026 through April 2027.
- Submit Support Letter: Provide a letter from a direct supervisor, chair, or dean affirming their support for your participation and their agreement to your attendance at all sessions.
The LEAF Review Committee includes:
- Bill Gentry, Director, Learning and Development
- Missy Campbell, Manager, Learning and Development
- Paige Edwards-Werhan, Assistant Director, Learning and Development
If you have questions about the LEAF program, please contact hrld@wfu.edu.