Kristi Forman, DBA, director of Admissions Operations in Enrollment Management at UT Health Science Center said last week’s UT Leadership Institute was “the most impactful experience of my professional career.”
Forman was one of four from UT Health Science Center who joined a total of 50 mid-level managers from across the UT System in participating in the leadership training institute February 16-21 in Chattanooga.
“This immersive and intense experience required us to deeply reflect on our unique traits that inspire our leadership journeys,” Forman said. “The program left me feeling energized and inspired to lead with integrity and humility.”
In addition to Forman, the contingent from UT Health Science Center included Tim Florence, director of Instructional Services for Information Technology Services; Crystal Maddox, MPA, assistant dean for Finance and Administration in the College of Medicine in Chattanooga; and Beth Paton, DNP, associate professor in the Acute and Tertiary Care Department in the College of Nursing. Chandra Alston, EdD, vice chancellor of Human Relations, and Michael Alston, EdD, associate vice chancellor for Access and Compliance, served as staff support for the Leadership Institute.
“It was a privilege to collaborate with such an impressive group of leaders from across the state, each bringing unique insights and perspectives,” Dr. Paton said. “The sessions on humble leadership and employee engagement were particularly impactful, emphasizing the importance of leading with empathy, humility, and a focus on empowering others. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from such dynamic leaders and look forward to applying these concepts in my own leadership journey.”
Founded in 1981, the institute offers leadership development and encourages collaboration among promising leaders across the system.
Campus and institute leaders and institute alumni nominate participants for consideration. From those nominations the final selection is made by the UT president. Since its founding, the institute has graduated more than 1,000 leaders.
“UT’s commitment to investing in its people was evident throughout this experience,” Forman said. “We not only spent time learning about leadership and building new relationships, but we also had the opportunity to engage in a space travel simulation at the Challenger Center and attend a Mocs men’s basketball game, both on the UT Chattanooga campus.”
Chandra Alston said the institute brings leaders together in a safe, positive, and uplifting environment. “This weeklong immersive experience is a combination of large and small group sessions, simulations, networking, and other experiential learning activities,” she said. “As a staff member over the past 15 years, I have met some incredible leaders and watched their ascent to leadership at our various institutions. It is wonderful to see UT investing in and retaining our top talent.”
Florence said the institute was a “once in a lifetime” leadership experience. “As a result, I feel more confident in my ability to lead humbly and effectively while enriching my life and the lives of my colleagues,” he said. “The institute far surpassed my expectations, and I will be forever grateful for the experience.”
The UT Leadership Institute is one of several professional development and leadership programs offered at the UT System and UT Health Science Center.
“Across various surveys, our employees have requested opportunities for leadership training,” said Cindy Russell, PhD, RN, vice chancellor for Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs at UT Health Science Center. “In response to those requests, Pillar 5: Developing Talent and Building Capacity in our 2023 to 2028 UT Health Science Center Strategic Plan was focused on creating an environment of success for all. One of the tangible strategies for accomplishing this was to develop training specifically designed to enhance leadership and business acumen through emulating and modeling the UT leadership institutes.”
The Health Sciences Senior Leadership Academy at UT Health Science Center, which kicked off with its first cohort January 13, was developed in response to employees’ comments and modeled after the Executive Leadership Institute and the Leadership Institute at the UT System.