About the Program
A cohort of some of Carolina’s outstanding mid-career and senior faculty will have the opportunity to develop greater insight into provost-level campus strategic initiatives and academic processes, strategic planning, budget issues, and challenges in higher education. Selected Faculty Leaders will participate in professional development activities designed to expose them to higher education processes, issues, ideas, and challenges at the executive level and prepare them for leadership roles.
Faculty Leaders are appointed for two-year terms. The departments of selected Faculty Leaders will be provided with salary release funds of up to 25 percent of their base salary or $40,000 plus fringe (whichever is less) each year to cover the time commitment required for participation, and Faculty Leaders will receive a project budget in year two of the program. Faculty Leaders also will have access to funds for travel and/or training. These resources can be used to fund activities on campus, to learn about organizational and leadership structures and processes at other institutions of higher education, to participate in formal training opportunities, and to attend relevant conferences in higher education.
Faculty Leaders will work within the Provost Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) and a broad range of projects, initiatives, and programs aligned with key institutional priorities. These may include faculty community and belonging, faculty well-being and recognition, provost-level campus strategic initiatives, academic processes, strategic planning, budgetary issues, and addressing broader challenges in higher education. Applicants who are selected will first be asked to work with their mentor(s) during the development phase of the program to finalize a project that will be conducted with the guidance of up to two mentors, who are senior campus leaders. Project areas should reflect mutual interests between the participant and mentor(s) and result in tangible outcomes that advance the work of the Office of Faculty Affairs or contribute to broader institutional goals, supporting faculty and the university’s strategic vision.
Program Benefits
The Provost Distinguished Faculty Leaders (PDFL) Program offers a unique and comprehensive experience designed to develop and strengthen leadership among faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill. Participants will gain valuable skills and insights through a competency-based curriculum that focuses on leadership development, strategic thinking, and collaboration. Key benefits of the program include:
- Competency-Based Curriculum: The curriculum is centered on building essential leadership competencies with a focus on personal, interpersonal, and organizational growth.
- Mentors and Executive Coaches: Each participant is paired with experienced mentors and executive coaches who provide personalized guidance and support throughout the program, helping them navigate leadership challenges and achieve their professional goals.
- Leadership Assessments: Participants will complete leadership assessments designed to evaluate their strengths and areas for growth, providing valuable insights that inform their personal development plans and guide their leadership journey.
- Monthly Leadership Workshops: Participants attend monthly workshops that provide hands-on leadership training, fostering the development of new skills and strategies to lead effectively in higher education.
- Quarterly Networking Dinners: These dinners offer opportunities to connect with leaders across the UNC System, facilitating interdisciplinary networking, collaboration, and community-building.
- Tar Heel Bus Tour: A true Carolina gem, this multi-day tour introduces participants to key communities across North Carolina.
- Capstone Project: Throughout the program, participants will receive support to develop and implement a capstone project. This project, aligned with their professional goals and the strategic priorities of the university, offers a practical application of the skills and knowledge gained during the program.
By participating in the PDFL Program, faculty members not only enhance their leadership capabilities but also build a strong network of peers and mentors, contributing to the future of higher education leadership at Carolina and beyond.
Eligibility
Applicants must be full-time (.75 FTE or greater) faculty in any track, at the rank of associate or full professor. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in academic leadership at the department, school, or university level. Applicants must have the written support of their department head or dean to apply and must be willing tofully engage in all program activities and dedicate substantial effort to developing and completing their project.
To Apply
All applications should be submitted online at thislink. The complete application packet, including the letter of endorsement, must be submitted as a single PDF file no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Please submit the following four items in your application packet:
- Letter of interest with a brief narrative description of your project idea (including a project title), no longer than two pages (if references are included, a third page may be added if necessary).
- Statement of leadership (philosophy, training, experience, and aspirations)
- A curriculum vitae
- A signed letter of endorsement from the Department Chair or Dean indicating support for the applicant’s participation in the program, including acknowledgment that participation will require course release and/or temporary reassignment of other duties. If preferred, this letter may be emailed directly to the Office of Faculty Affairs atfacultyaffairs@unc.edu.
Participants will be announced in February 2025. Please direct any questions regarding the program toPDFL@unc.edu.
2023-2025 Inaugural Cohort
We are pleased to announce the 2023-2025 inaugural cohort of Provost Distinguished Faculty Leaders. We invite you to learn more about these outstanding Carolina faculty.