Applications for WELD Being Accepted Now

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 11, 2018) — The Women’s Executive Leadership Development (WELD) Program, one of a number of programs helping University of Kentucky employees with professional development, is accepting applications for the next cohort of participants for 2019. The eight-month program, involving 20-25 faculty and staff, is planned to begin May 2019 and conclude in December 2019. Applicants must be mid-to-senior level faculty (associate or professor) and staff in executive, director and managerial positions and possess demonstrated leadership experience. This includes serving as director of undergraduate studies, director of graduate studies, department chair, program or division director, center director, assistant or associate dean, or assistant provost.   

The primary goal of WELD is to address the under-representation of women in academic leadership capacities and help aspiring women acquire the skills and capabilities to attain high-level academic leadership positions.

Although this is the primary goal, the program is open to all persons. Those interested in applying may go to the WELD Program website to learn more. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 16, 2019, and selections will be announced in late February 2018.

The program is directed by Hollie Swanson, professor of pharmacology and nutritional sciences in the College of Medicine. A diverse group of faculty and staff serve on the advisory and selection committees to assist in developing the program, monitoring its effectiveness and identifying participants. The program is coordinated under the oversight of the Office for Faculty Advancement with assistance from Human Resources.

Questions about the program may be directed to Swanson at hollie.swanson@uky.edu or 323-1463.