What is the Katie Leadership Academy?

Katie Leadership Academy (KLA) is a nine-month, cohort-based leadership development experience designed to cultivate faculty and staff who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to St. Catherine University’s mission. It is a strategic investment in developing leaders who will strengthen the University today and into the future.

More than a program, KLA is  a commitment to leadership as a lived, shared practice across St. Kate’s. It reflects an intentional shift from isolated development efforts to a connected leadership ecosystem that strengthens people, culture, and institutional impact.

Why is St. Kate’s launching KLA?

KLA reflects a proactive commitment to developing leaders from within. It supports institutional priorities—including student success, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability—by building leadership capacity across the University.

How does KLA reflect the mission of St. Kate’s?

KLA is grounded in the University’s Catholic identity and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. It develops leaders who act with integrity, foster inclusive community, and serve with purpose—bringing the mission to life through everyday leadership.

What makes KLA different from other professional development programs?

KLA is not just a training program, it is an integrated leadership experience:

• Cross-functional cohort model that builds relationships across the University
• Real institutional projects tied to strategic priorities
• Direct engagement with senior leadership
• Mentorship outside reporting lines
• Embedded reflection and well-being practices

KLA connects leadership development directly to institutional impact.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Any faculty or staff members who:

• Are employed at 0.75–1.0 FTE
• Have at least two years of service at St. Kate’s
• Demonstrate leadership potential and readiness for expanded impact

Are adjunct or part-time employees eligible?

No. At this time, KLA is designed for full-time employees (0.75–1.0 FTE).

Can someone without a formal leadership title be nominated?

Yes. Leadership is not defined by title alone. Individuals who influence, inspire, and demonstrate leadership in their work are encouraged to be nominated.

Who can submit a nomination?

Nominations may be submitted by:

• Vice Presidents
• Deans
• Directors
• Department Chairs
• Other senior leaders

Can individuals nominate themselves?

No. KLA is a leader-nominated program, emphasizing recognition and investment in others. Individuals may express interest to their leader and request to be considered for nomination. All final submissions require formal endorsement from the appropriate divisional leader.

What is required for a nomination to be considered?

All nominations must include approval from the nominee’s divisional leader (e.g., Vice President or equivalent). This ensures alignment with divisional priorities and confirms support for the participant’s time commitment.

Is supervisor support required?

Yes. Supervisor and divisional leader support is required to ensure alignment with priorities and commitment to the program’s time expectations.

Can someone be nominated without their knowledge?

No. Nominees should be aware of and supportive of their nomination prior to submission, given the program’s time commitment and expectations.

What should nominators consider?

Nominators should identify individuals who:

• Demonstrate initiative and influence
• Are respected by peers
• Show curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset
• Align with institutional mission and values
• Have potential for broader leadership roles

Who selects the cohort?

The President’s Council reviews nominations and selects the cohort.

What criteria are used for selection?

Selection is based on:

• Leadership potential
• Readiness for growth and expanded responsibility
• Alignment with mission and institutional priorities
• Representation across divisions and roles

How many participants are selected?

Each cohort includes approximately 15–20 participants to ensure a high-impact experience.

Will there be future cohorts?

Yes. KLA is designed as an ongoing institutional initiative with future cohorts anticipated annually.

What is the time commitment?

Participants should expect a meaningful but manageable commitment:

• Monthly half-day cohort sessions
• Occasional workshops or retreats
• Reflection and applied learning
• Capstone project work

Estimated commitment: ~8 hours per month including workshop/retreat. Active participation and consistent attendance are expected.

What will participants gain?

Participants will:

• Strengthen leadership skills across four pillars:
  • Leading Self
  • Leading Others
  • Leading the Institution
  • Leading Forward
• Build cross-campus relationships
• Gain deeper institutional understanding
• Receive feedback and development support
• Apply learning to real institutional challenges

What is the role of mentors?

Each participant is paired with a senior leader mentor outside their reporting line who:

• Meets monthly with the participant
• Provides guidance and institutional perspective
• Supports leadership growth and application

What are capstone projects?

Participants collaborate in cross-functional teams to address real institutional challenges.
Projects are presented to senior leadership at the end of the program, contributing tangible value to the university.

What support structures are included?

Participants are supported through:

• Peer coaching groups
• Monthly mentor meetings
• Reflective journaling and guided prompts

These elements support continuous learning and integration.

When does the program run?

• Start: August 2026
• End: May 2027

What are the session dates?

Sessions are typically held on the third Friday of each month (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), including:

• Kickoff: August 21, 2026
• Monthly sessions: September–April (December break)
• Closing session: May 14, 2027

When do nominations open and close?

• Open: May 18, 2026
• Close: June 1, 2026

When will participants be notified?

Participants will be notified in June 2026.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. KLA is fully funded by the university as an investment in faculty and staff development.

Does participation guarantee a promotion?

No. KLA builds leadership readiness but does not guarantee advancement. It strengthens visibility, capability, and preparedness for future opportunities.

How does KLA support career growth?

KLA enhances:

• Leadership capability
• Institutional visibility
• Readiness for expanded roles

It is a meaningful step in professional and leadership development.

How is participation recognized?

• Recognized as a significant professional development achievement
• Referenced in annual performance reviews
• Completion includes a formal certificate and institutional recognition

How are supervisors involved?

Supervisors:

• Nominate participants
• Support time commitment
• Reinforce learning through performance conversations

Leadership development is most effective when supported across the institution.

Where can I find more information?

A dedicated dynamic KLA website and landing page will include:

• Program details
• Nomination process
• Key dates and FAQs
• Contact information

Who do I contact with questions?

President’s Senior Fellow for Leadership Integration, Anupama Pasricha, Ph.D. Email:  KLA@stkate.edu

What happens after completion?

• Alumni network
• Continued leadership engagement

What if a participant cannot complete the program?

• Attendance requirements, 90% attendance is expected
• There is an option for formal withdrawal though a letter to the President's Senior Fellow for Leadership Integration via email KLA@stkate.edu. The letter should be copied to the nominator and supervisor.

How are capstone projects selected?

Brief note:

• Aligned with institutional priorities
• Sponsored by senior leadership

What is the role of AI in the program? 

The program will offer AI-supported leadership development tools as an optional resource for participants seeking further to strengthen their self-assessment, reflection, and leadership effectiveness.

Is participation competitive?

• Yes, selective cohort
• Designed for high-impact experience

Katie Leadership Academy (KLA) is a nine-month, cohort-based leadership development experience designed to cultivate faculty and staff who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to St. Catherine University’s mission. It is a strategic investment in developing leaders who will strengthen the University today and into the future.

More than a program, KLA is  a commitment to leadership as a lived, shared practice across St. Kate’s. It reflects an intentional shift from isolated development efforts to a connected leadership ecosystem that strengthens people, culture, and institutional impact.

KLA reflects a proactive commitment to developing leaders from within. It supports institutional priorities—including student success, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability—by building leadership capacity across the University.

KLA is grounded in the University’s Catholic identity and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. It develops leaders who act with integrity, foster inclusive community, and serve with purpose—bringing the mission to life through everyday leadership.

KLA is not just a training program, it is an integrated leadership experience:

• Cross-functional cohort model that builds relationships across the University
• Real institutional projects tied to strategic priorities
• Direct engagement with senior leadership
• Mentorship outside reporting lines
• Embedded reflection and well-being practices

KLA connects leadership development directly to institutional impact.

Any faculty or staff members who:

• Are employed at 0.75–1.0 FTE
• Have at least two years of service at St. Kate’s
• Demonstrate leadership potential and readiness for expanded impact

No. At this time, KLA is designed for full-time employees (0.75–1.0 FTE).

Yes. Leadership is not defined by title alone. Individuals who influence, inspire, and demonstrate leadership in their work are encouraged to be nominated.

Nominations may be submitted by:

• Vice Presidents
• Deans
• Directors
• Department Chairs
• Other senior leaders

No. KLA is a leader-nominated program, emphasizing recognition and investment in others. Individuals may express interest to their leader and request to be considered for nomination. All final submissions require formal endorsement from the appropriate divisional leader.

All nominations must include approval from the nominee’s divisional leader (e.g., Vice President or equivalent). This ensures alignment with divisional priorities and confirms support for the participant’s time commitment.

Yes. Supervisor and divisional leader support is required to ensure alignment with priorities and commitment to the program’s time expectations.

No. Nominees should be aware of and supportive of their nomination prior to submission, given the program’s time commitment and expectations.

Nominators should identify individuals who:

• Demonstrate initiative and influence
• Are respected by peers
• Show curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset
• Align with institutional mission and values
• Have potential for broader leadership roles

The President’s Council reviews nominations and selects the cohort.

Selection is based on:

• Leadership potential
• Readiness for growth and expanded responsibility
• Alignment with mission and institutional priorities
• Representation across divisions and roles

Each cohort includes approximately 15–20 participants to ensure a high-impact experience.

Yes. KLA is designed as an ongoing institutional initiative with future cohorts anticipated annually.

Participants should expect a meaningful but manageable commitment:

• Monthly half-day cohort sessions
• Occasional workshops or retreats
• Reflection and applied learning
• Capstone project work

Estimated commitment: ~8 hours per month including workshop/retreat. Active participation and consistent attendance are expected.

Participants will:

• Strengthen leadership skills across four pillars:
  • Leading Self
  • Leading Others
  • Leading the Institution
  • Leading Forward
• Build cross-campus relationships
• Gain deeper institutional understanding
• Receive feedback and development support
• Apply learning to real institutional challenges

Each participant is paired with a senior leader mentor outside their reporting line who:

• Meets monthly with the participant
• Provides guidance and institutional perspective
• Supports leadership growth and application

Participants collaborate in cross-functional teams to address real institutional challenges.
Projects are presented to senior leadership at the end of the program, contributing tangible value to the university.

Participants are supported through:

• Peer coaching groups
• Monthly mentor meetings
• Reflective journaling and guided prompts

These elements support continuous learning and integration.

• Start: August 2026
• End: May 2027

Sessions are typically held on the third Friday of each month (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), including:

• Kickoff: August 21, 2026
• Monthly sessions: September–April (December break)
• Closing session: May 14, 2027

• Open: May 18, 2026
• Close: June 1, 2026

Participants will be notified in June 2026.

No. KLA is fully funded by the university as an investment in faculty and staff development.

No. KLA builds leadership readiness but does not guarantee advancement. It strengthens visibility, capability, and preparedness for future opportunities.

KLA enhances:

• Leadership capability
• Institutional visibility
• Readiness for expanded roles

It is a meaningful step in professional and leadership development.

• Recognized as a significant professional development achievement
• Referenced in annual performance reviews
• Completion includes a formal certificate and institutional recognition

Supervisors:

• Nominate participants
• Support time commitment
• Reinforce learning through performance conversations

Leadership development is most effective when supported across the institution.

A dedicated dynamic KLA website and landing page will include:

• Program details
• Nomination process
• Key dates and FAQs
• Contact information

President’s Senior Fellow for Leadership Integration, Anupama Pasricha, Ph.D.

Email:  KLA@stkate.edu

• Alumni network
• Continued leadership engagement

• Attendance requirements, 90% attendance is expected
• There is an option for formal withdrawal though a letter to the President's Senior Fellow for Leadership Integration via email KLA@stkate.edu. The letter should be copied to the nominator and supervisor.

Brief note:

• Aligned with institutional priorities
• Sponsored by senior leadership

The program will offer AI-supported leadership development tools as an optional resource for participants seeking further to strengthen their self-assessment, reflection, and leadership effectiveness.

• Yes, selective cohort
• Designed for high-impact experience