Staff Fellows Program
This professional development program provides participants with the opportunity to build their capacity as leaders, gain experience to grow their careers, while participating in a transformative leadership program. It is open to staff employees at all levels of the organization, regardless of job title or management status.
2023 Program Structure
In partnership with Saralyn Reece Hardy, Director of the Spencer Museum of Art, the 2023 Staff Fellows program will be an arts-based leadership program focused on helping leaders to craft their own leadership narrative through a selection of arts-based experiences. Arts-based storytelling allows participants the opportunity to share stories and articulate a leadership identity expressed through art. The program will be held over seven consecutive Friday mornings and sessions will consist of a ‘meet the artist’ and an experiential activity designed to foster self-awareness and discovery while encouraging adaptation and improvisation. Each participant will present a final project sharing their leadership narrative using one or more art forms.
Benefits of an arts-based approach to leadership development include:
- Development of creative thinking and innovation-based skills
- Improves confidence to take risks and confront fears
- Refines observational skills and understanding of symbolism
- Helps leaders develop the art of storytelling
- Encourages and enables collaboration through improved communication
Program dates:
March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
March 31
April 7
April 14
During the seven-week program, participants are expected to attend all three-hour sessions and to commit time in developing a final presentation. Sessions are typically held on Friday mornings and will be in person at an on-campus location
Application Process
Interested staff should complete an application, which includes information about the candidates’ career at KU, along with completion of a couple short essay questions. The essay questions focus on career goals, interest and suitability to the program, and overall interest in an arts-based leadership experience.
A review committee then meets with select candidates for a short interview. Following the full review process, the committee selects a cohort of employees to participate in the program.
The University of Kansas is committed to professional development and as a result, there is no cost to participate.
