UARK Leaders Accepting Nominations for Seventh Cohort

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The UARK Leaders program is now accepting nominations for its seventh cohort, which will run from October 2026 to April 2027. This leadership initiative brings together a cross-section of advancing university leaders committed to strengthening connections across campus and driving meaningful, lasting impact.
Through collaborative learning and real-world application, Cohort 7 participants will build key leadership competencies essential for navigating complexity, supporting their teams and contributing to the university's strategic priorities. Past participants describe the experience as energizing and transformative, noting increased confidence, stronger cross-campus relationships and a deeper understanding of how their work connects to the broader university mission. 
UARK Leaders Cohort 7 is open to both staff and faculty who are interested in advancing their leadership on campus. Participants should oversee an organizational unit, program or large-scale initiative and manage two or more direct reports (with responsibility for performance evaluations). Throughout the program, participants refine their leadership approach with an emphasis on three leadership competencies: 
  1. Strategic Thinking — Navigating complex challenges with foresight and a broader, campus-wide perspective
  2. Leading a Team — Adapting leadership to meet team needs and fostering collaboration across differences
  3. Balancing Advocacy — Championing ideas while aligning with institutional priorities
Key components of the cohort experience include:
  • Six days of interactive, in-person professional development sessions
  • Leadership assessments, including the Birkman Assessment and a 360 Feedback Assessment, which participants consistently identify as powerful tools for self-awareness and growth
  • Up to three one-on-one professional leadership coaching sessions
  • A team-based action learning project addressing real-time university challenges, offering participants the opportunity to collaborate across units and apply their learning in meaningful ways
There is a $2,000 cost per participant, with departments responsible for covering this cost.
For those ready to strengthen their leadership impact, expand their network and contribute to shaping the future of the university, Cohort 7 offers a uniquely engaging and practical development experience. To learn more about the program, process and eligibility criteria, review the UARK Leaders 2026-27 Program Overview.
Nominate or self-nominate by completing the UARK Leaders Cohort 7 Nomination Form by 5 p.m. CDT on July 17, 2026. Interviews will take place in August, with cohort selection completed in early September.
UARK Leaders is a project of the Office of Human Resources' Talent and Organizational Development team. For more information, contact Anne Shelley.

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Contacts

Anne Shelley, director of talent and organization development
Office of Human Resources
479-575-7021, ashelley@uark.edu

Colton Morgan, director of administrative communications
University Relations
479-575-5582, cm309@uark.edu