The Professional Leadership and Coaching Engagement (PLACE) program is a six-month, facilitated leadership experience designed to support higher education professionals navigating increasingly complex roles. As many leaders advance from technical or academic expertise into positions requiring broader organizational leadership, they often do so without formal training or structured support. PLACE addresses this gap by providing a dedicated environment where leaders can build essential leadership skills while connecting with peers facing similar challenges.
Through small, carefully curated cohorts of 6–8 participants, PLACE emphasizes collaboration, trust, and shared learning. Participants engage in monthly facilitated group sessions alongside individual executive coaching, creating a balance between collective problem-solving and personalized development. The program is intentionally discussion-driven, allowing participants to bring real-world challenges into the conversation and explore practical applications of leadership concepts within their institutional contexts.
The curriculum focuses on key leadership themes, including vision-setting, communication, trust-building, and managing priorities. Rather than relying on prescriptive instruction, PLACE encourages reflection and dialogue, helping participants translate established leadership frameworks into actionable strategies. This approach ensures that learning is immediately relevant and adaptable to the evolving demands of higher education leadership.
A distinguishing feature of PLACE is its integration of individual executive coaching, which provides tailored support for each participant’s unique leadership journey. Facilitated by an experienced leadership coach, the program creates a psychologically safe space for honest discussion, critical thinking, and professional growth. This dual emphasis on group engagement and individualized attention enhances both confidence and capability.
By the end of the program, participants emerge with greater clarity in their leadership approach, strengthened problem-solving skills, and a supportive professional network that extends beyond their own institution. PLACE ultimately equips higher education leaders with the tools, perspective, and community needed to navigate complexity with confidence and effectiveness.