Executive Education | Jones College of Business

The Leadership Challenge is a program designed to help professionals unlock their leadership potential and create a culture of excellence. This Leadership Excellence Masterclass is based on The Leadership Challenge® by Kouzes and Posner.

Empowering Leaders for Transformative Impact

Exceptional leadership is a skill that transcends titles and positions, and in today's dynamic workplace, strong leaders are essential to success. This course offers actionable tools and strategies to master exceptional leadership, including:

• Explore the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® to understand what the best leaders do to motivate and influence.
• Discover your personal leadership style and identify ways to amplify your strengths.
• Build trust-based relationships to inspire collaboration and commitment across teams.
• Learn to model the way and lead by example, fostering integrity and credibility in your leadership approach.
• Develop the ability to recognize, celebrate, and encourage progress, creating a positive environment for growth.
• Practice effective communication and feedback strategies to empower others and drive results.

Program Details

• Upcoming Dates: February 26-28, 2025
• Price: $2700
• Delivery: Full-day, in-person sessions
• Location: Miller Education Center
• Address: 503 E Bell Street | Murfreesboro, TN | 37130

Certificate of Leadership Excellence

Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a Certificate of Leadership Excellence from MTSU's Jones College of Business. This certificate will highlight leadership development and demonstrate commitment to driving organizational success.

Key Takeaways

This leadership program provides essential skills and knowledge to help participants lead with purpose, confidence, and impact. Key takeaways include:

• Adopt the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® to motivate and guide teams.
• Model integrity, authenticity, and accountability in leadership approach.
• Foster trust, collaboration, and engagement across diverse groups.
• Give effective feedback and empower others to achieve their best.
• Celebrate wins and encourage progress to drive sustainable success.

Target Audience

This program is designed for professionals looking to elevate their leadership capabilities and make a lasting impact, including:

• Emerging Leaders: Build foundational leadership skills to grow influence.
• Managers and Supervisors: Strengthen ability to inspire teams and foster collaboration.
• Executives: Refine leadership approach to drive transformative change.
• Team Members: Discover how to lead effectively, regardless of title or position.

Meet the Instructors

Deana Raffo

• Expert in Leadership Development, Authentic Leadership, and Generational Dynamics
• Ed.D., Tennessee State University
• M.A., Middle Tennessee State University
• Director of MTSU's Institute of Leadership Excellence
• Coordinator for the Leadership Studies Program
• Research focuses on leadership authenticity, leader credibility, and strengths-based leadership.

Leigh Anne Clark

• Expert in Leadership, Ethics, and Organizational Behavior
• J.D., Emory University School of Law (1992)
• Ph.D., Organization Studies, Southern Illinois University (2007)
• Teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in leadership, organizational behavior, ethics, and nonprofit management at MTSU.
• Research explores leadership credibility, trust, ethics of technology and privacy, and organizational behavior and culture.

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.