Welcome to the Alabama Community College Leadership Academy Website!

The Alabama Community College Leadership Academy (The Academy), established in 2000, is co-sponsored by The University of Alabama Colleges of Education and Continuing Studies in cooperation with the Alabama College System and The University of Alabama System. Its mission is to prepare community college leaders by enhancing their leadership and management skills for an environment of change and to promote active partnership within postsecondary education. Participants are selected for their demonstrated leadership skills, active involvement in their institution, and a willingness to invest the time, effort, and energy required for the program. Those registering for the Class of 2008-2009 will be the ninth class to enroll. Alumni for The Academy now number 181 graduates.

The Academy begins with a four-day session in residence at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Four two-day seminars, which meet on Thursdays and Fridays at host campuses throughout the year, complete The Academy. Graduation is held at The University of Alabama.

The Academy provides a variety of learning experiences led by various experts on topics related to leadership and administration. The core curriculum is arranged according to five major themes including: foundations of leadership; policy and governance; administration; the learning college; and leadership for change. Click on Sessions for detailed agendas for each of the sessions.

The Academy features both Academic credit and Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit.  Participants may elect to receive academic graduate credit for this component of The Academy by enrolling in AHE 602: Problems in Higher Education: The Alabama Community College Leadership Academy. For further information about academic credit, click on Brochure and go to page 3.

Using the principles of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), participants work in teams to solve "real-world" problems faced by educational administration practitioners. As they learn in a real context, PBL helps leaders bridge the gap between theory and practice. Participants are introduced to the problem in the first session and continue to work on it throughout the year as information is disclosed progressively. They present their final reports for review by a panel of experts at the concluding session.

The Academy is designed to provide a unique educational experience for participants, and as such, they will receive continuing education credit for their experience. All participants receive a "Certificate of Completion" in community college leadership. Those who elect to enroll in the academic credit course earn three to six hours of graduate credit through the College of Education Higher Education Administration Program.

To learn more about the Alabama Community College Leadership Academy, take a look at our links.