Faculty-Administrator Leadership Program (FALP)
Empowering the future of UIC Leadership
Intro
Learning about administration can broaden one’s understanding of administrative work and increase knowledge of leadership issues pertinent to career advancement.
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Research shows there is an increasing need within higher education for faculty, particularly underrepresented faculty, to serve in a range of leadership capacities.
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The Faculty-Administrator Leadership Program, is designed for tenured associate and full professors interested in learning about higher education administration or considering taking on roles as a director, department head or chair, associate dean or dean, or vice provost.
Congratulations to the 2024-2025 FALP Cohort
“Going through the program has provided me direction and inspiration in my leadership journey at UIC. My participation in the program has confirmed my interest into pursuing administrative roles at UIC. At this point in my career, I’m ready to create conditions for my colleagues and students to thrive!”
Introducing the 2026-27 FALP Cohort
Name
Ali Alaraj
College of Medicine
Phimon Atsawasuwan
College of Dentistry
Kamran Avanaki
College of Medicine
Tanvi Bhatt
College of Applied Health Sciences
Kamal Eldeirawi
College of Nursing
Name
Jori Hall
College of Education
Jeni Hebert-Beirne
School of Public Health
Allyson Holbrook
College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
Chris Kanich
College of Engineering
Jonathan Mekinda
College of Architecture, Design, & the Arts
Name
Bernadette Sánchez
College of Education
Angel Scanzera
College of Medicine
Meenesh R. Singh
College of Engineering
Jennifer Summers
College of Applied Health Sciences
Nadera Sweiss
College of Medicine
Program Information
Click on each tab below to learn about the program and the application timeline for 2026.
2026-27 Program Dates
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Welcome Dinner
October 1, 2026
4:30-6:00 pm
Campus Location: West Campus
Session 1
October 15, 2026 8:00-5:00 pm
October 16, 2026 8:00-1:00 pm
Location: East Campus
Session 2
November 19, 2026 8:00-5:00 pm
November 20, 2026 8:00-1:00 pm
Location: East Campus
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Session 3
March 4, 2027 8:00-5:00 pm
March 5, 2027 8:00-1:00 pm
Location: West Campus
Session 4
April 27, 2027 8:00-5:00 pm
April 30, 2027 8:00-1:00 pm
Location: West Campus
All programming listed above requires in-person attendance.
Eligibility
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To qualify for the program, faculty must fulfill the requirements in rank and title:
- Associate and Full Professors (Tenured)
- May have an administrative appointment, but not necessary
No nomination required; just a commitment to growth and collaboration.
Program Goals and Objectives
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As a result of engagement in the Faculty Administrator Leadership Program, we expect participants to:
- Increase one’s institutional knowledge.
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the various leadership roles at UIC.
- Expand one’s professional network, consisting of current and future leaders, to engage with and learn from beyond the program.
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- Understand how University leaders align their own goals with the institutional mission and strategic priorities.
- Develop an understanding of one’s leadership style and the necessary skills required to become a successful leader in higher education.
- Gain an understanding of effective strategies to build teams for effective and positive leadership.
Program Structure
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The program will consist of three (3) core components:
- Mentorship and Career Development: participants will be paired with a current campus leader for formal mentorship and support throughout the academic year.
- Program Sessions (4 topic-sessions): FALP will host a total of four, one-and-a-half-day in-person sessions. (Two each semester). Attendance and participation in each session are mandatory.
- Professional Development Services via Academic Impressions: Participants will engage in high-quality on-demand learning throughout FALP in addition to a Leadership Assessment, Leadership Audit, and Coaching sessions.
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More information will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
Application and Program Timeline
| Applications Open | March 30, 2026 |
| Applications Due | April 27, 2026 |
| Decision Notification | July 2026 |
| Program Start | September 2026 |
Contact Information
Please contact Elizabeth Houlihan, or a member of the Faculty Engagement team for more information: facultyengagement@uic.edu