Overview

The University of Georgia’s Administrative Fellows Program provides a unique opportunity for faculty to work closely with select senior administrators (Mentors) for the purpose of gaining valuable knowledge and experience in the area of academic leadership.  This Program is part of a broader initiative involving the Southeastern Conference Academic Consortium (SECAC) known as the Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP).  The mission of the SECAC ALDP is “to identify, develop, prepare, and advance faculty as academic leaders in and for the Southeastern Conference universities.”

Up to three outstanding individuals are selected each year to serve as UGA Administrative Fellows under the mentorship of a senior administrator or dean.  In addition to working in the offices of their Mentors, Fellows will also participate as ALDP Fellows in two SECAC ALDP Workshops to be hosted by different participating schools each year.  These workshops will address such topics as conflict resolution, emergency preparedness, structure and operations, budgeting, accreditation, and accountability.

The goal of UGA’s Administrative Fellows Program, and the related SECAC ALDP, is to expose faculty interested in administration to the challenges and rewards of such institutional service, and to prepare them for potential leadership positions within the academy.  Whether or not a Fellow ultimately chooses to pursue an administrative position in the future, the Program will, at a minimum, provide him or her with a better appreciation for and understanding of how the University operates.  [TOP]

Fellowship Year

Each year, the Administrative Fellows selected will have the opportunity to work with one or more members of the University’s senior administration, depending upon the Fellow’s specific area of interest, as well as administrative needs. The pool of potential administrators may vary from year to year, and will be announced annually in connection with the selection process.

The Fellows will work with their Mentors to develop activity plans for the year based on identified needs and professional goals.  Activities should be directed towards maximizing the Fellows’ opportunities to interact with individuals from all levels of UGA’s administration and should permit them to observe and participate in decision-making processes as much as possible.

While there will undoubtedly be variations in the structure and content of the experiences of each Administrative Fellow, all should meet regularly with their Mentors, attend meetings with or on behalf of their Mentors, and oversee and complete at least one significant project during their Fellowship year.  In addition, all Fellows are required to attend the two SECAC ALDP Workshops that will be scheduled during the fall and spring of their fellowship year.

Each faculty member selected as an Administrative Fellow will be placed on a professional leave of absence and will be relieved of all teaching, research, committee, and other assignments related to his or her faculty appointment during the fellowship period.  Fellows will continue to receive their regular salaries, plus an administrative supplement.  The commencement and duration of each fellowship will vary depending upon individual schedules and plans. [TOP]

Selection Process

Senior administrators and deans of all Schools and Colleges are invited to nominate one individual for an Administrative Fellowship.  To be eligible, a nominee must be a tenured faculty member, or have a standing appointment as service or administrative faculty.  Nominees are expected to possess strong leadership experience, as well as outstanding records of achievement in their current and past positions, along with a sincere interest in administrative service.

The nomination must take the form of a letter of no more than two pages that describes the academic leadership qualities of the nominee and elaborates upon his or her contributions to the academic unit and to the University.  Each nomination must be accompanied by an application completed by the nominee.

The nominees’ materials should be sent by the nominating senior administrators or deans to: Administrative Fellows Selection Committee, Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, The University of Georgia, 203 Administration Building, Athens, GA 30602-1651.

The Selection Committee will consist of the three Senior Vice Presidents and the current Administrative Fellows.  The selection process will take place during the spring semester of each academic year, with decisions announced in early April.

Any questions regarding the Administrative Fellows Program or the selection process should be directed to Dr. William Vencill, Administrative Fellow, Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, at (706) 542-5806 or wvencill@uga.edu.[TOP]

The University of Georgia
Office of Senior Vice President and Provost
203 Administration Building
Athens, GA 30602-1651
Contact: Dr. William Vencill
Phone: 706/542-5806
Fax: 706/583-0746