New Leader Development Series (NLDS)
PROGRAM UPDATE
We are thrilled to announce the next offering of the New Leader Development Series. As we continue our commitment to fostering leadership excellence, we are excited to offer a refreshed program designed to meet the evolving needs of leaders at Michigan State University.
The New Leader Development Series has been thoughtfully enhanced to provide an even more impactful and relevant experience, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge essential for success in today's dynamic professional landscape. Welcome to a new chapter of growth, learning, and leadership development.
This program update brings into greater alignment, the learning outcomes with MSU's 2030 Strategic Plan, targeting the knowledge, skills and abilities of highest priority.
IMPORTANT DATES
Next cohort beginning Tuesday, January 19th, 2027 (full schedule below)
Application opens Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Application closes Wednesday, November 11th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Application link will be posted here on October 28th.
INVESTMENT
Each learning track costs $300. Participation in all 3 learning tracks is $900.
Program fee can be covered using educational assistance funds or a departmental account.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The program is designed to benefit a diverse population of leaders at MSU. Each individual learning track targets a specific role and set of responsibilities. Completion of all three learning tracks in sequence is encouraged, although leaders may opt into only one learning track if desired.
We encourage formal and informal leaders to attend, although in the event of higher demand than we have space, preference will given to individuals with formal leader, manager, or supervisor roles. How these roles are defined may vary from unit to unit. Emerging leaders will be welcome as space permits.
NLDS is designed as an interactive learning experience that relies on participant engagement, reflection, and application. Active participation enhances individual learning and contributes to the success of the cohort experience.
Participants are expected to:
- Attend sessions prepared to actively engage in learning activities.
- Contribute to discussions, reflection opportunities, small-group activities, breakout room conversations, chat discussions, poll and other interactive activities, both in-person and virtually.
- Respect diverse perspectives and contribute to an inclusive learning environment.
- Reflect on and apply course concepts in their day-to-day leadership practice.
- Complete any assigned pre-work, reflections, or between-session activities that support learning and application.
COMPLETION CRITERIA
To successfully complete the New Leader Development Series, participants are expected to attend and engage in all learning sessions across the learning tracks they've signed up for. Recognizing that occasional scheduling conflicts may arise, participants may miss one session per learning track. Additional absences require completion of a makeup session or approved alternative learning activity. Participants will receive program certification when all makeup requirements have been completed.
Program Summary
Essentials for Supervisory Success
Dive into the essentials of effective supervision. From mastering union dynamics to fostering inclusive workplaces, this unit equips supervisors with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of their roles. Join us on a journey of discovery, exploring everything from employee leave programs to communication best practices.
This first learning track in the New Leader Development Series is designed for individuals supervising regular full-time employees as well as part-time, temporary, and on call members of the Spartan community.
Establish connection amongst members of the program cohort, navigate the fundamental responsibilities of supervisors at Michigan State University, and set the stage for a successful learning experience.
- Tuesday, January 19, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- In-Person, MSU Human Resources Building, Suite 10
- Facilitator: Danielle Hook, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Discover the intricacies of MSU resources, systems, services, and procedures.
- Tuesday, February 2, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Danielle Hook, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Explore tools and techniques designed to strengthen supervisory effectiveness and communication.
- Tuesday, February 16, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Kathie Elliott, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Evaluate workforce and staffing needs to strategically engage in recruitment, hiring, and succession planning.
- Tuesday, March 2, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Jake Lathrop, MSU Human Resources
Gain a working knowledge of labor relations, grievance processes, and essential supervisory law and policy.
- Tuesday, March 16, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Mary Openlander and Wanda Parker, MSU Human Resources
Review the intricacies of MSU employee leave programs to enhance awareness and proficiency.
- Tuesday, March 30, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Alyssa Anderson, MSU Human Resources
Conclude the Essentials for Successful Supervision program in-person with a collaborative, reflective, and solutions-focused workshop. Explore the importance of inclusive workplace practices through the lens of key supervisory topics previously covered in the unit and in alignment with MSU’s commitment to staff and faculty success.
Leave with a personalized implementation strategy designed to help you successfully integrate lessons learned in this program into your daily supervisory experience.
- Tuesday, April 13, 2027
- 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
- In-Person, MSU Human Resources Building, Suite 10
- Facilitator: Gabrielle Miller and DJ Hogan
Achieving Alignment in Management
Elevate your management skills and explore the role of managers in planning, coaching, and operational success. From financial literacy to conflict resolution, this unit empowers managers to navigate complexities with intent. Manage performance and process in alignment with the University’s priorities while prioritizing employee engagement.
This second learning track in the New Leader Development Series is designed for individuals responsible for the management of people, processes, and operational success.
Establish connection amongst members of the program cohort, investigate the role of management at Michigan State University, and set the stage for a successful learning experience.
- Tuesday, April 27, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- In-Person, MSU Human Resources Building, Suite 10
- Facilitator: Danielle Hook, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Distinguish between various sources of funding and evaluate expenditure guidelines.
- Tuesday, May 11, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Brooke Gallagher and Scott Gascon
Identify techniques to foster a culture of continuous improvement, enable innovation and increase process effectiveness.
- Tuesday, May 25, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Kelly Feister, Infrastructure, Planning and Facilities
Reflect on the importance of treating others with dignity and respect while mastering conflict resolution skills.
- Tuesday, June 8, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Todd Bradley, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Assess the role of performance planning, coaching, evaluations, and motivation in the work environment.
- Tuesday, June 22, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Christy Turner, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Explore strategies in interpersonal effectiveness, employee engagement, meeting facilitation, and inclusive communication to strengthen team connections.
- Tuesday, July 6, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Alice Wilcox, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Conclude the Achieving Alignment in Management program in-person with a collaborative, reflective, and solutions-focused workshop. Utilize the Everything DiSC behavioral assessment to identify individual management styles. Through the insights of DiSC, we identify authentic strategies to fulfilling the duties and responsibilities outline in this unit.
Leave with a personalized implementation strategy designed to help you successfully integrate lessons learned from this program into your daily managerial responsibilities.
- Tuesday, July 20, 2027
- 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
- In-Person, MSU Human Resources Building, Suite 10
- Facilitator: Kathie Elliott, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Advancing Excellence in Leadership
Unleash your potential and shape visionary futures as a strategic leader at MSU. From inclusive organizational culture to change leadership, this unit empowers leaders to navigate uncertainty, build trust, and foster resilience. Join us as we explore emerging trends and qualities of effective leadership.
This final learning track in the New Leader Development Series is designed for current and emerging leaders.
Establish connection amongst members of the program cohort, investigate the role of leaders at Michigan State University, and set the stage for a successful learning experience.
- Tuesday, August 3, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- In-Person, MSU Human Resources Building, Suite 10
- Facilitator: Danielle Hook, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Explore change innovation and learn to effectively lead organizational change.
- Tuesday, August 17, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Christy Turner, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Assess the role of leader in sustaining inclusion, assessing workplace climate, and discuss approaches for fostering diversity and inclusion.
- Tuesday, August 31, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Lydia Weiss, Prevention, Outreach and Engagement
Reflect on the importance of resilience, explore elements of burnout, and develop strategies for personal and team resilience.
- Tuesday, September 14, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Lisa Laughman, Spartan Resilience, University Health and Wellbeing
Clarify the leader's role in shaping the future, from within a complex and strategic institution.
- Tuesday, September 28, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Sharri Margraves, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Reflect on the content of the New Leader Development Series and discuss how the series has impacted your leadership actions.
- Tuesday, October 12, 2027
- 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- Virtual, Zoom
- Facilitator: Danielle Hook, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
Conclude the series and the Advancing Excellence in Leadership program in-person with a collaborative, reflective, and solutions-focused workshop. Utilize the CliftonStrengths assessment and new Leaders Report to identify individual talents and abilities. Strengths-Based Leadership neatly ties together topics and themes from this unit from a perspective that is grounded in our unique talent profile.
Leave with a personalized implementation strategy designed to help you successfully integrate lessons learned from the program into your daily leadership responsibilities.
- Tuesday, October 26, 2027
- 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
- In-Person, MSU Human Resources Building, Suite 10
- Facilitator: Danielle Hook, MSU Human Resources, Organization and Professional Development
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
Beginning in 2025, the program experienced a redesign. Change details are included below.
The program has been expanded and restructured to include three distinct learning tracks. Tracks can be taken in sequence or individually, depending on each individual's unique learning needs. The three learning tracks include:
- Essentials for Supervisory Success
- Achieving Alignment in Management
- Advancing Excellence in Leadership
The program expansion enables the inclusion of additional topics which target current and emerging learning needs. Existing program sessions will be updated with new information, and new sessions have been added on the following topics:
- Basics of supervision at MSU
- Management mindset
- Inclusive workplace and supervision practices
- Employee engagement strategies
- Authentic management with DiSC
- Continuous improvement
- Change leadership
- Strengths based leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
Beginning Wednesday, October 28, at 1:00 p.m., an application link will be available at the top of this web page. Use the link to submit your application to the program. Applications will be accepted until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11th.
If submitting an application, we recommend holding the program dates on your calendar until particpation is confirmed, to avoid potential scheduling conflicts.
The program is a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. Each learning track begins and ends with a collaborative in-person workshop and also consists of 5 virtual learning sessions. Virtual attendance will not be provided to in-person program sessions.
