Latest cohort graduates from Blaze Leadership Academy

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rep blaze leadership academy 2024 550pxCongratulations to the 20 faculty and staff leaders seeking to grow and contribute more to UAB who became the 16th graduating class of the Blaze Leadership Academy in April. The leadership-development program combines team projects, case studies, skill-building, expert speakers and panels, peer-to-peer consultation, and networking opportunities.

Speaking at a capstone presentation April 5, members of the class shared their leadership lessons learned. “Blaze Leadership Academy equipped me with invaluable skills to adapt to change and navigate through challenges with resilience and confidence,” said Shandra Keith Coble, DMD, assistant professor in the Department of Endodontics in the School of Dentistry.

“A growth mindset is essential for shaping leadership skills,” said Amy Ellis, assistant controller in UAB Financial Affairs. “Abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Do not take criticism personally, but use it as part of the constructive learning process.”


2024-2025 class nominations open in June

Nominations for the 2024-2025 Blaze Leadership Academy class will open in June. The program is designed for faculty and staff who have been at UAB for a minimum of one year and are experienced senior managers, functional directors, or chairs possessing the potential for more demanding leadership positions within the next two to four years. Candidates are nominated by their senior leader (deans in schools, vice presidents in administrative units). Learn more about the nomination process, selection criteria and the time commitment involved.

 

Blaze Leadership Academy 2023–2024 cohort

 

Jason Avery

Clinical Research Administrator III, Department of Epidemiology

School of Public Health

 

Amy Bickell

Director of Creative Services

UAB Communications and Marketing

 

Christina Blackmon

Assistant Director of Systems and Operations, Institutional Review Board

UAB Research

 

Jennifer Braswell Christy, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Therapy

School of Health Professions

 

Shandra Keith Coble, DMD

Assistant Professor, Department of Endodontics

School of Dentistry

 

Felice Cook

Manager for Clinical Research Regulations, Department of Medicine

Heersink School of Medicine

 

David Dada

Director, Governmental Relations

UAB Finance and Administration

 

Chad Duke

Director for Research Engineering, Engineering & Innovative Technology Development

School of Engineering

 

Amy Ellis

Assistant Controller

UAB Financial Affairs

 

Retta Evans, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Department of Human Studies

School of Education

 

Ebony Harris

Development Director

UAB Advancement

 

Holly Holiday-Jones

Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity and Excellence

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 

Jolene King

Assistant Vice President for Facilities Administration and Environmental Health and Safety

UAB Facilities

 

Bela Patel, DNP

Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing Acute, Chronic & Continuing Care

School of Nursing

 

Samiksha Raut, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Biology

College of Arts and Sciences

 

Joshua Robinson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Management, Information Systems and Economics

Collat School of Business

 

Andreia Stechmann

Assistant Director, Employer Engagement

Collat School of Business

 

Ruwaldt Viljoen

Assistant Controller

UAB Financial Affairs

 

Marshey Vincent

HRM Consultant Lead

UAB Human Resources

 

Brandon Wright

Director, Career Center

UAB Student Affairs