Ohio State Lima’s associate dean and professor of earth science, Dr. Mark Kleffner, is about to see the Big Ten from a whole new perspective. Kleffner has been chosen to be a fellow in the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s Academic Leadership Program.
The ALP is an intensive experience that develops the leadership and managerial skills of faculty who have demonstrated exceptional ability and academic promise. Kleffner and the other fellows will work through six modules between September 2021 and April 2022.
“I am excited to interact with and learn from faculty members and administrators from nine other Big Ten institutions,” Kleffner said. “The program provides the opportunity for participants to increase their ability to successfully navigate all of the issues and responsibilities of university administration.”
The ALP consists of three seminars hosted by different Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. In addition, ALP fellows may be required to participate in on-campus activities throughout the academic year that varies by institution. The program is specifically oriented to address the challenges of academic administration at major research universities and to help faculty members prepare to meet them.
Kleffner is excited to bring what he learns back to the campus that has been his academic home for three decades.
“I hope to bring back the knowledge and skills to be able to contribute in a more meaningful way than I am able to currently in helping Ohio State Lima finally become a destination residential campus in west-central and northwestern Ohio that provides a complete and vibrant college experience for students.”