SouthArk LEADERSHIP Academy
OUR GOAL
The goal of the SouthArk Leadership Academy is to develop a network of qualified leaders for
present and future college and community needs. To meet this goal, SouthArk seeks to:
• Identify and motivate individuals with leadership potential;
• Acquaint participants with issues, needs, challenges and opportunities in higher
education, community college and community;
• Engage participants in information sharing, exchange of ideas, and networking;
• Challenge potential leaders to become involved with issues, the decision-making process,
and professional development,
• Provide participants with skills, opportunities and mentors for leadership development.
ACCOMPLISHING OUR OBJECTIVES
SouthArk Leadership Academy seeks to develop college and community leaders by training and
informing participants on a wide array of issues and concerns. In-depth training sessions focus
on these issues, exploring their background, origin and present-day status. The program covers a
full slate of topics, including higher education, community and economic development, and
community college issues. The sessions combine lectures, tours, dialogue and interaction
between speakers and participants.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum plan includes:
• Orientation – SouthArk Organizational Structure, History of SouthArk, Role of
Community Colleges, and Team Building
• Purpose of the Academy, HLC Accreditation, Workforce Development Presentation of
Group Project
• SouthArk Finance, Fund Raising, SouthArk Foundation
• Research, Strategic Planning and Resource Management
• Arkansas Legislative Affairs, ADHE and Advocacy
• Communication, Collaboration and Mentoring
• Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
• Ethics and Accountability; Leadership Goal Setting, Group Project Completion
• Presentation of Group Projects and Graduation
TIME COMMITMENT
The SouthArk Leadership Academy consists of nine full-day sessions. They will be held once a
month from September to May. There is also a possible overnight or day visit to Little Rock to
attend a legislative session. A class project will be assigned. Program participants are expected to
attend each monthly session. While emergencies do arise, any participant missing more than 16
hours of scheduled events, for whatever reason, shall be automatically dropped from the
program.