GradLEAD is a leadership development program hosted in partnership by the Graduate School and the office of Engagement, Leadership and Service for all enrolled graduate students no matter the program, year, or expected graduation date to engage in continued leadership development.
GradLEAD is a semester-long leadership development program designed for graduate students who want to deepen their understanding of leadership, strengthen their self-awareness, and develop the skills to collaborate and lead effectively across diverse contexts. Through cohort meetings and peer group engagement, participants will explore, practice, and apply leadership in ways that prepare them to make meaningful contributions in their academic, professional, and civic lives.
The program will run in the Spring of 2027 starting in January and ending in April.
By participating in GradLEAD, you will:
- Discover new perspectives on leadership by exploring what it means to lead in today’s world and from the graduate student experience.
- Grow your self-awareness by identifying your strengths, values, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Build collaboration and influence skills to work effectively across teams, disciplines, and diverse communities.
- Put leadership into action by applying what you learn to real-world challenges in your academic, professional, and civic life.
Leadership starts with a single step.
Join us at the Fall 2026 GradLEAD Dinner as we kick off applications for the Spring 2027 GradLEAD Cohort. Hear from a dynamic keynote speaker on the journey of becoming a leader, participate in an interactive leadership experience, and learn how GradLEAD can help you develop the skills and confidence to lead with purpose. Apply. Engage. Grow. Your leadership journey starts here.
Discover GradLEAD
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Tate Reception Hall
Doors open at 5:30pm
Dinner provided
Please RSVP between Oct 6 – 20. (link coming soon)
Space is limited to the first 75 students to register.
Spring 2027 Session schedule & topics:
Sessions 1-4 will be in the Tate Student Center.
- Session 1: Jan 14, 1:30-5:30 pm – Discovering Leadership in the Graduate Experience
- Session 2: Feb 4, 1:30-5:30 pm – Growing Self-Awareness as a Leader
- Session 3: Mar 4, 1:30-5:30 pm – Building Collaboration and Influence
- Session 4: Apr 8, 1:30-5:30 pm – Putting Leadership into Action
- Session 5: Apr 22, 5:00-8:00 pm – Graduation Celebration
We will meet in person four times half day each over the semester. Between meetings peer groups will meet at their discretion to discuss and practice principles shared during the meetings.
Applications will be open October 27 – November 13, 2026.
Application requirements:
- Be actively enrolled as a graduate student during the semester of the program.
- One letter of recommendation (can be any professional reference, does not have to be a PI/ Faculty, just someone who can speak to your interest and involvement in leadership development)
- Current resume/CV
