Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP): Experience leadership where it happens across CU’s campuses
The University of Colorado’s Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) offers a distinctive opportunity for leaders across CU’s four campuses and the System office to expand their understanding, strengthen connections, and deepen their leadership practice. Unlike traditional training, ELP is a nine-month immersive experience—bringing participants together for campus visits, leadership panels, and collaborative sessions that foster insight, innovation, and relationships that last well beyond the program.
Here’s what three recent participants shared about their journey:
Stephanie Gillin, Associate Dean of Administration & Finance, Leeds School of Business
What drew me to ELP and what I’ve found most engaging is the opportunity to deepen my understanding of how the other campuses and the CU System relate to one another. This broader perspective is invaluable, and I continue to learn and grow from each meeting. One of the most impactful aspects of ELP has been hearing directly from panels of campus leaders. Their insights have shaped my own leadership approach, offering perspectives I might not encounter in my day-to-day role. I especially appreciate learning about the other campuses, as it is easy to feel siloed within your own. Visiting the Denver and Colorado Springs campuses exemplified ELP’s immersive nature—showcasing innovation, student success, and the unique strengths each campus contributes. Any chance to connect with colleagues across campuses is highly valuable and deepens my appreciation for the collaborative spirit within CU.
Elizabeth Dutro, Associate Dean for Faculty and Professor of Literacy Studies, School of Education
As a long-time faculty member at CU Boulder, I’ve served in many roles on campus, but I had never had meaningful opportunities to learn about the other three campuses—or how the CU system as a whole pursues shared goals that shape the entire institution. Through ELP, I gained a depth of insight that continues to inform my faculty and leadership work. Each panel and session sparked new thinking about leadership and strengthened my commitment to this work. Most meaningful of all were the relationships that ELP fostered. I now know extraordinary colleagues across units and roles—connections that are personally sustaining, and have created more responsive, trusting, and effective collaborations toward unit- and institution-level goals.
Erika Randall, Interim Dean & Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education and Professor of Dance, College of Arts & Sciences
ELP was more than a leadership program—it was an affirmation of commitment to the bigger picture of my work: to create community, to support students, to maximize my personal capacity and to embrace gratitude, recognition, clarity and joy as tools for team capacity building. Most importantly, ELP placed me among and within a constellation of brilliant and diverse humans and leaders, learning from one another as we challenged ourselves to stay playful and deeply committed to caring for staff, faculty, students and ourselves.
Interested in participating?
Nominations for the next ELP cohort are now open! CU Boulder selects eight faculty fellows each year through a spring nomination process.
- Who can be nominated?
Eligible faculty nominees in order of priority are CU Boulder full professors or teaching professors; associate professors and associate teaching/clinical professors will also be considered. Nominees should have formal current or upcoming leadership appointments. They should be situated by these leadership appointments to benefit from gaining an immersive understanding of the operations of the University of Colorado System institutions, insights into the work of senior leaders at each institution, and an expanded community of colleague leaders across CU institutions.
- Program commitment:
August–April, beginning with a two-day retreat and monthly workshops at CU’s campuses and System office, plus monthly conversations with CU Boulder senior leaders.
How to apply:
Indicate your interest to your dean so they may consider nominating you (faculty self-nominations are not accepted). Dean nominations are due Feb. 6, in response to a direct call from Merinda McLure, and successful nominees and their deans will be notified by May 1. All questions concerning faculty nominations should be emailed to Merinda McLure, director of faculty & academic leadership development at the Office of Faculty Affairs.