The NKU Leadership Institute (NKULI) is a transformative leadership development program designed to prepare and inspire NKU’s future academic leaders. Open to faculty and academic staff at all levels, including lecturers, department chairs, and associate or assistant deans, the Institute equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to excel in current and future leadership roles.
NKLI participants meet monthly during the academic year. The program includes engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities. Participants will explore key aspects of higher education leadership, including administrative structures, leadership styles, critical challenges, funding, and inclusive leadership practices. Sessions will be led by NKU’s cabinet, leadership team, and invited speakers, offering a unique opportunity to gain broad perspectives and build meaningful connections. Participants who complete the program will receive a Leadership Certificate, signifying their commitment to professional growth and leadership excellence. By fostering deep insights and practical skills, NKULI prepares participants to lead effectively in their current roles and advance to greater responsibilities in the future.
Call for Application
Applications are open for the 2025-2026 NKU Leadership Institute (NKULI) program. The NKULI program will convene in September 2025 and consist of nine monthly sessions, concluding in May 2026. Attendance in the monthly sessions is required from participants.
To Apply
Please submit your application and supporting material using this form. Applications and accompanying materials are due on or before Friday, February 28, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee. For additional information regarding the NKULI, please contact Dr. Jason Vest, Associate Provost for Faculty and Student Affairs at vestj3@nku.edu
NKULI Participants 2024-2025
· Dr. Corrie Danieley, Associate Professor - SOTA/Theatre and Dance, College of Arts and Sciences
· Dr. Sara Drabik, Professor and Program Head, College of Informatics
· Jennifer Gardner, Executive Director, Center for Student Excellence, Haile College of Business
· Dan Ginn, Director of Young Scholars Academy
· Dr. Allyson Graf, Associate Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
· Dr. Michael Guy, Associate Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
· Melanie Hartzel, Program coordinator, Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement
· Dr. Kajsa Larson, Professor of Spanish, College of Arts and Sciences
· Dr. Eileen Shanahan, Department Chair and Associate Professor, College of Education
· Zac Strobl, Director of Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Lecturer, Haile College of Business
· Dr. Mehmet Sulu, Program coordinator and Assistant Professor, College of Education
· Dr. Karen Vietz, Program Director, School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services
· Dr. Darrin Wilson, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
NKULI Participants 2023-2024
· Dr. Terrance Anderson, Program Director, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, College of Health and Human Services
· Amanda Andrews, Director of First-Year Experience and Programming
· Dr. Cris Biazzin, Associate Professor Management and Interim Chair, Haile College of Business
· Dr. Bethany Bowling, Senior Associate Dean and Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
· Dr. Nicholas Caporusso, Assistant Associate Professor of Computing and Analytics, College of Informatics
· Dr. Caryn Connelly, Department Chair and Associate Professor World Languages and Literatures, College of Arts and Sciences
· Jessica Ferguson, Senior Lecturer and Director of Advising at Center for Student Excellence, Haile College of Business
· Dr. Dirk Grupe, Associate Professor and Chair at Department of PGET, College of Arts and Sciences
· Melissa Hess, Educational Leadership and Advanced Studies Master of Arts in Teaching Program Facilitator, College of Education
· Dr. Lee Kersting, Department Chair/Associate Professor, Accounting, Economics, and Finance, Haile College of Business
· Dr. Tonya Krouse, English Professor and Director of NKU Transformational Thinking for Community and Career Certificate, College of Arts and Sciences
· Denice Robertson, Biological Sciences and Director of CETI, College of Arts and Sciences
· Dr. Jamey Strawn, Professor and Coordinator of Theatre and Dance (SOTA), College of Arts and Sciences
· Dr. Anthony Tsetse, Associate Professor and Program Head Cybersecurity and IT, College of Informatics
NKULI Participants 2022-2023
· Dr. Janel Bloch, Professor of English, College of Arts and Sciences
· Trina Cossin, Director of School of Allied Health, College of Health and Human Services
· Dr. Hailey Fargo, Assocate Dean, Library
· Dr. John Farrar, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair of Faculty Senate, College of Arts and Sciences
· Suk-Hee Kim Associate Professor of Social Work, College of Health and Human Services
· Dr. Brad McCombs, Associate Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
· Dr. Danielle McDonald, Professor of Criminal Justice and Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
· Dr. David Tataw, Director of MSHS and MSHA Programs, College of Health and Human Services
· Dr. Justin Yates, Professor of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
