Dean's Leadership Academy (DLA)
Program Overview
Introduction to the Dean's Leadership Academy
The Dean's Leadership Academy is a transformative program that equips students with the capacities to lead authentically in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Rooted in ethical purpose and social innovation, the Academy combines academic rigor with immersive real-world experiences to develop collaborative, courageous, and creative leaders.
What Makes the DLA Different
The DLA offers a distinctive experience that sets it apart from other leadership programs. Key features include:
- Mindfulness-Driven Leadership: Grounded in self-awareness and presence, mindfulness is embedded throughout the program.
- Experiential Immersion: Students engage in simulations, policy forums, cultural site visits, and leadership summits to build practical skills.
- Integrated Learning: A future 3-credit academic course aligns with eight experiential learning sessions, creating a powerful learning arc.
- Ethics Meets Innovation: The DLA prepares students to lead with empathy and drive systemic transformation.
- Peer Mentorship & Long-Term Impact: Graduates become mentors for future cohorts, reinforcing community and leadership continuity.
Program Highlights
The DLA journey includes:
- Academic Leadership Course: An interdisciplinary course exploring systems thinking, values-based decision-making, and strategic innovation.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: Hands-on experiences such as strategy sessions with corporate executives, community-based service projects, and team development with high-profile organizations.
- Peer Mentorship: After graduation, students can apply to become peer mentors, shaping future leaders while deepening their own impact.
Strategic Priorities
The DLA prepares students across three core priorities:
- Promote Ethical Leadership & Social Responsibility: Develop resilience, empathy, and civic commitment.
- Enhance Communication & Collaboration: Strengthen voice, active listening, conflict resolution, and team building.
- Cultivate Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making: Learn holistic thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and innovative solution creation.
Selection Process
The DLA is intentionally small, with a cohort of 20 promising students each year. Students are nominated through a "tapping" process by faculty or staff and invited to interview with the DLA Selection Committee. The committee looks for:
- A drive to serve and make an impact
- Growth potential and curiosity
- A commitment to ethics, collaboration, and courage
- Resilience and positivity through adversity
Faculty, Staff, and Student Scholars
The DLA is brought to life by a committed group of faculty, staff, and community leaders, including:
- Naelys Luna, PhD, MSW: Founding Dean & Professor
- Tony Andenoro, PhD: Director of Community Engagement
- Rachael Schmidt: Community Fellow
- Shawn Backer, MSCCJ: Retired Deputy Chief of Police
- Anita Blowers, PhD: Teaching Professor & Director of Legal Studies
- Frank de la Torre, JD: Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Student Service
- Sandra Jakubow: Director, Academic Services
- Danile Jerome, MSW, RCSWI: Associate Director for Operations & Community Engagement
- Tootie Martin: Director of Development
- Fabio Rojas: Academic Advisor
- Sigal Rubin, MSCCJ: Undergraduate Coordinator, Student Success Coordinator, & Senior Instructor
Student Scholars
Each year, the DLA cohort consists of 20 extraordinary student scholars known as The Vanguards. These dynamic students embody the Academy's core values of purpose, resilience, and service, leading from the front as ambassadors of ethical and innovative leadership.