Investing in Talent at All Levels
Investing in Talent at All Levels
The Emerging Leaders Academy cultivates influence, confidence, and collaboration across the public sector.
In the fast-paced world of public service, leadership is less about hierarchy and more about behavior, mindset, and impact. The Emerging Leaders Academy, hosted by the University of Kansas Public Management Center, embodies this modern philosophy. Designed for early- to mid-career professionals in government, the academy is redefining what it means to lead — at any level.
Leadership is a practice, not a position
The four-month, cohort-based academy supports individuals who want to improve their leadership skills, whether or not they hold formal authority. The program emphasizes that leadership is a set of actions, not a job title. It equips participants with practical tools to strengthen workplace relationships, self-awareness, and strategic thinking.
“ELA helps people who want to be more intentional in their professional growth,” said Kate Nygren, Ph.D., program director at the KU Public Management Center. “We teach that leadership can — and should — come from every corner of an organization.”
A transformational learning model
Unlike one-off training events, the academy’s extended format allows participants to engage in deep reflection, hands-on application, and consistent practice. The program meets biweekly or in two-day monthly sessions, giving professionals time to test strategies, assess outcomes, and return with insights.
The academy blends facilitated dialogue, coaching, and self-assessment tools to foster leadership behaviors like active listening, systems thinking, and accountability. The goal is to prepare participants to influence positive change regardless of their role.
“We’ve seen this program unlock confidence in professionals who didn’t initially see themselves as leaders,” Nygren said. “They leave ELA not only with new skills, but also with the mindset that their voice matters.”
Building resilient organizations
The academy supports the broader goal of creating high-performing, resilient organizations in the public sector. By promoting distributed leadership and investing in emerging talent, the academy aligns with trends in innovation and adaptability.
Participants return to their organizations with a greater sense of purpose and a toolkit for navigating complex challenges. In turn, agencies benefit from increased engagement, collaboration, and performance across departments.
“When organizations make space for leadership development, they’re making space for new ideas and stronger teams,” Nygren said.
Ready to lead from where you are?
The Emerging Leaders Academy is now enrolling for its fall cohort. For government professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey, the academy offers a proven, people-centered path to growth.