Leadership Excellence program inspires emerging leaders

Erin Poff wanted to be part of the first cohort of Virginia Tech’s Leadership Excellence program because she “didn’t want to become a stagnant employee.”

“I applied because I believe in being a lifelong learner — not only to be my best self for myself, but to be my best self for Virginia Tech and all the wonderful colleagues I have the privilege of working with,” said Poff, director for finance and administration with the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences. “Being a leader is part of some people’s nature, but the complexities of the world require us to expand our worldview to best understand cause, effect, and emotion when making decisions.”

Leadership Excellence, which is currently accepting applications for the 2024-25 cohort, is part of the university’s efforts to foster continuous leadership development. It aims to cultivate and enhance the skills, attributes, and mindsets of individuals who aspire to be effective leaders, regardless of their current organizational position.

“It’s designed not just to build skills but to grow a community of leaders who are prepared to tackle complex challenges and drive our institution forward,” said Greg Beecher, director of talent development in Human Resources. “The program’s hands-on approach ensures that our leaders are equipped to make meaningful contributions right away.”

The cohort-based format encourages collaboration and problem-solving, giving participants a platform to take on real-world challenges in a supportive, fail-friendly environment, according to Michelle Carter, who leads the program. Participants can expect immersive sessions, assessments, and training tailored to the specific needs of their cohort.

“We provide a space where future leaders can practice and apply leadership theories directly to the challenges they face in their roles,” Carter said. “Participants aren’t just passive learners, but active co-creators of the leadership development journey we undertake together.”

The nine-month program focuses on the “Hokie Dozen” — 13 core leadership competencies ranging from strategic thinking to cultural responsiveness. There are 13 because, “just like our community, there is always room for one more.” Through experiential learning, real-world problem-solving, and reflective practice, participants develop a robust leadership toolkit.

“Leadership Excellence builds on the foundational knowledge provided in our Leadership Essentials program,” Carter said. Completion of that online, self-paced program is not required for participation in Leadership Excellence but is recommended, she said.

Heather Whedbee, who’s just taken on a new role with Undergraduate Academic Affairs as assistant director of advising technology, said the program transformed the way she approaches leadership. “The skills I learned have been my guidepost as I now find myself in rooms with upper-level management working through complex strategies to develop our vision for technology features from Blacksburg to the Innovation Campus.”

Another participant, Katie Gehrt, director of marketing and communication with the Moss Arts Center, found that with each session and assignment, she was acquiring more tools for her work — “from my own personal confidence and skill in managing difficult conversations to new approaches to making meetings more successful and managing group dynamics.”

The program also provided deep personal insights into how she thinks, works, and approaches challenges. “That’s allowed me to be more thoughtful and aware of how my approach may differ from others,” Gehrt said.

The inaugural 2023-24 Leadership Excellence cohort was celebrated in a ceremony on May 29.

The program is seeking applicants who lead teams, projects, or committees as well as emerging leaders preparing for future opportunities. Carter said any administrative and professional faculty, teaching and research faculty, or staff member may apply. “Our focus is not on position,” she said, “but on potential. If you have an aptitude for leadership and a desire to learn, we encourage you to apply.”

Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are open until June 7. Interested employees can apply online or be nominated by their supervisor or colleagues. To learn more about Leadership Excellence, visit the program website or contact Michelle Carter.

“This program is one example of how Human Resources is investing in our most valuable resource — our people. They drive the Virginia Tech difference, and helping them grow and develop in their careers helps us all move forward together,” said Sandee Cheynet, associate vice president for human resources. 

The 2024 inaugural Leadership Excellence cohort