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UNCW Chancellor’s Leadership Institute

The UNCW Chancellor’s Leadership Institute (CLI) is a leadership development program designed to cultivate emerging leaders across the university. The program draws from best practices in leadership development and delivers curriculum tailored to higher education leadership. Each session is structured around core leadership themes and incorporates guest speakers, peer collaboration and reflective activities.

The program culminates in a recognition ceremony and includes opportunities for mentorship, networking and applied leadership practice.

Engage

with senior university leaders.

Explore

key institutional functions.

Develop

practical leadership skills.

Benefits of Participation

This program provides a high-impact professional development opportunity that strengthens UNCW’s leadership pipeline.

Participants will:

  • Engage with senior university leaders.
  • Explore key institutional functions.
  • Develop practical leadership skills aligned with UNCW’s mission and strategic priorities.
  • Reflect on leadership styles and career pathways. 

Benefits include:

  • Enhanced institutional knowledge of UNCW's mission, governance, operations and strategic priorities.
  • Practical leadership skills in decision-making, conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement.
  • Networking and mentorship with university leaders and peers across divisions.
  • Career advancement support, equipping participants to assume future leadership roles.
  • A sense of shared purpose and commitment to advancing UNCW's strategic vision.

Upon completion, participants receive a professional certificate of completion and a Type 3 digital badge.

Curriculum Themes

  • August: Program Launch & Foundations of Leadership
  • September: Institutional Knowledge & Governance
  • October: Academic & Student Affairs
  • November: University Finance & Decision-Making
  • December: Ethics and Legal Issues
  • January: Human Resources
  • February: Strategic Thinking & Visioning
  • March: Advancement & External Relations
  • April: Innovation & Engagement
  • May: Reflection and Recognition

Program Structure

  • Facilitation: Led by Chancellor’s Office in collaboration with HR and university divisions.
  • Cohort Size: 12-15.
  • Duration: August to May (10 months).
  • Frequency: Sessions occur monthly on Thursdays.
  • Session Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., lunch provided.

Participants must commit to the dates below for participation in the inaugural class of the Chancellor’s Leadership Institute.

  • Session I: Aug. 27
  • Session II: Sept. 24
  • Session III: Oct. 29
  • Session IV: Nov. 12
  • Session V: Dec. 3
  • Session VI: Jan. 14
  • Session VII: Feb. 11
  • Session VIII: March 18
  • Session IX: April 8
  • Final Session X/Graduation: May 26
  • Be a full-time employee at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
  • Have five years or more of professional experience.
  • Have three years of UNCW employment experience.
  • Gain supervisor approval for participation.
  • Complete full application (including questions), and send resume and 2 letters of support.
  • Participants must achieve 80% attendance and miss no more than 2 sessions to complete the program and attend the CLI graduation.
  • Complete CliftonStrengths for Leaders assessment prior to first session.
  • Attend one Board of Trustees meeting.
  • Complete culminating project.
  • Commit to assisting with the cohort directly following their program.

At the conclusion of the program, alumni from the Chancellor's Leadership Institute will:

  • Assist with the program's development by completing a feedback form.
  • Assist on the planning team for future cohorts or by being a mentor for future cohorts.

Chancellor’s Leadership Institute Application

The application period for the 2026–2027 Chancellor's Leadership Institute cohort has concluded. Thank you to all who applied. Information about the next application cycle will be available in Spring 2027.

CLI Coordinators