About the Delta Leadership Institute

The Delta Leadership Institute provides a year-long leadership development program for regional leaders desiring to prepare themselves for the challenges of the 21st Century.   The purpose of the Delta Leadership Institute is to prepare these leaders to collaborate regionally to lead change. Participants work in teams to solve “real-world” problems faced by regional leaders.  The Institute features a variety of lectures, seminars, and workshops, and centers on three curricular themes.

Core Curriculum

Understanding the Delta Region and Its Challenges
Thinking /Acting Regionally
Regional Demographics

Issue(s) Engagement
Health Care
Information Technology
Transportation
Education
Public Policy
Infrastructure

Leadership
Contemporary Models
Leading Change
Embracing Diversity
Team Building
Problem Solving
Building Collaboration
Mediated Communication
Public Speaking

1. September 9-11, 2008, Hotel Capstone & Bryant Conference Center, Tuscaloosa, AL
320 Paul Bryant Dr., Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 * Tel: 205- 752-3200
Hotel Capstone

2. October 28-30, 2008, Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, LA
214 Rue Royale, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 * Tel: 504-708-4668
Hotel Monteleone

3. January 13-15, 2009, Memphis Mariott Downtown, Memphis, TN
250 North Main Street , Memphis, TN 38103 * Tel: 901-527-7300
Memphis Marriott Downtown

4. April 14-16, 2009,  Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, MO
7730 Bonhomme Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63102 * Tel: 314-863-0400
Sheraton Clayton Plaza

5. June 16-18, 2009, Location TBA

Expectations of Institute Participants

1. Actively participate in Institute sessions, including group discussion, Q&A, and team projects.  As a member of a project team, share in team leadership responsibilities, attend any electronic or face-to face team meetings between Institute sessions, and participate in project presentation at the June graduation session. Team projects will likely require activity between institute sessions.

2. It is vitally important to the success of the institute that participants arrive on time to sessions, ready to give full attention and interact with Institute speakers and fellow participants, holding phone calls and other business to conduct during regularly scheduled breaks. In order to get the maximum experience of participating in the Delta Leadership Institute, we emphasize strongly that participants respect the length of breaks and meal functions by being ready to resume class on time, and refrain from using communicative devices during scheduled presentations and events.

3. Participate in five sessions located at sites throughout the Delta region.  Absences must be approved in advance by The University of Alabama. Completion certificates will be awarded to those participants who have one or less excused absences.

Key Participant Outcomes
Leaders who successfully complete the Delta Leadership Institute should expect to:

1. See the enormous advantages of incorporating a regional development strategy into building a community.

2. Come away with an enhanced set of usable leadership skills and tools.

3. Understand the issues facing the Delta community, their interrelationships and their importance.

4. Make new friends and important contacts from other states.

5. Make valuable contacts with the Delta Regional Authority staff and Institute subject matter experts.

6. Have continuing opportunities to work on important Delta Regional Authority projects of interest.

For Further Information

Contact:
Tom Wingenter, Program Director at (205) 348-6224; twingenter@ccs.ua.edu   
Penny Williamson, Program Support at (205) 348-3014; pwilliamson@ccs.ua.edu

Professional Development & Conference Services, College of Continuing Studies
The University of Alabama, Box 870388, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0388
Fax: (205) 348-9276