In-Person: NAUFRP Academic Leadership Academy
The NAUFRP Academic Leadership Academy is designed to cultivate a vibrant cohort of future leaders dedicated to advancing the forestry and natural resource management professions and the mission of the National Association of University Forest Resources Programs (NAUFRP). This interactive workshop offers a transparent look into the realities of academic administration, from managing institutional budgets and academic programs to navigating national advocacy and capacity funding. By connecting emerging leaders with seasoned mentors, the program provides the unique strategic insights and professional networks necessary to successfully transition into critical and influential roles like Department Head, Program Director, or Dean.
Agenda
Monday, October 5, 2026, 2:00-5:00pm
University of Washington-Tacoma YMCA Student Center, 1710 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402
| Time | Session | Key Focus Areas |
| 2:00pm
(20 min) |
Introductions & Icebreaker | Introductions
Participant goal setting |
| 2:20pm
(45 min) |
Demystifying Academic Leadership | Presentation & Breakout Pros/cons of leadership Shifting professional priorities What leaders look for in candidates |
| 3:05pm
(40 min) |
Leading Beyond the Institution | Presentation & Guided Discussion Representing your unit beyond the university NAUFRP, APLU, LGUs, and advocacy |
| 3:45pm
(15 min) |
Break | |
| 4:00pm
(45 min) |
Leadership in Practice | Expert Panel Q&A Featuring leaders from NAUFRP, SAF, Forest Industry, and Practitioners |
| 4:45pm
(15 min) |
Wrap-up & Future Trajectory | Reflection & Next Steps
Identify topics for future sessions Reflections |
| 5:00pm | Adjourn | |
| 6:00pm | SAF/NAUFRP Leadership Reception | Networking: Formal reception for all Academy participants and senior leadership |
Learning objectives include:
- Develop an understanding of NAUFRP’s mission, organizational structure, and role in advocating for capacity funding and forestry and natural resources programs nationally.
- Distinguish between internal leadership responsibilities (e.g., budgets, personnel, shifting university priorities) and external leadership opportunities (e.g., national advocacy, representation to industry and agency partners, APLU, etc.).
- Gain valuable insights from experienced leaders and administrators about their career pathways and what they wish they had known when they were hired into their roles.
- Cultivate leadership networks to foster ongoing mentorship and professional collaboration.