Academy Overview

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The Lee College of Engineering Leadership Academy prepares undergraduates to successfully fulfill leadership roles on campus and in engineering industry by building their leadership abilities.

The academy is a two-year, extra-curricular program, modeled after leadership training programs for young professionals in industry. It is divided into four modules; Modules 1-3 are off-campus retreat weekends and Module 4 is a capstone service project. College faculty, industry executives and academy alumni facilitate the program to provide real-world perspectives on issues relevant to today's engineering industry.
 
The Student Experience

The core Leadership Academy curriculum is delivered through off-campus, weekend retreats. Each retreat addresses key leadership topics through hands-on activities and discussions led by college faculty, corporate guests and program alumni. Students participate in one retreat each semester for the first year and one-half of participation. Retreats begin on Friday afternoons and end on Sunday afternoons. All travel, lodging and food expenses are paid for by the academy.

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Students dedicate their final semester of participation to creating and implementing a capstone service project.  The project offers students an experiential way to apply what they have learned through the academy and contribute to their local communities.

In addition to retreats and the service project, the academy sponsors various other activities during the academic year. These events include, but are not limited to, etiquette dinners, social networking workshops and presentations by industry professionals.

Example Academy Calendar

Year One
Fall:                        Module 1: Introduction to Leadership

Spring :                  Etiquette event
Module 2: Addison J. Bell Exploring Ethics and Values

Year Two
Fall :                       Module 3: Philip Morris Strategic Planning for Life
Capstone Project Planning event

Spring :                  Module 4: Serving the World Around You
Leadership Academy graduation
 
Join the Academy

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A new Leadership Academy class is selected each Fall. To be eligible, students must be:

1)      College of Engineering undergraduates who have completed their freshman year and are carrying a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
OR
2)      New transfer students to the College of Engineering with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

To apply, students must complete the online application, submit two forms of reference and interview with the program director. Students are selected based on previous experiences and future potential as a leader. All participants must be eager to learn about leadership and willing to contribute to the collaborative learning environment.

Fall 2009 Application Timeline

September 21, 2009:                      Online application must be submitted by noon.
September 24-25, 2009:                 Interviews (as scheduled)
September 25, 2009:                      References due in Smith 228 by 5 p.m.
September 28, 2009:                      Selected students notified
October 30-November 1, 2009:     Module 1 Retreat

Online Leadership Academy Application
Leadership Academy Reference Form (download and print 2 copies for references)

Contact Karina Franco at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have questions about the application process.
 
Corporate Partners
The Leadership Academy is endowed by:
Carotek, Inc. in the name of its founder J. Addison Bell

The Leadership Academy also funded by:
Philip Morris, USA
AREVA
Duke Energy
The Leadership Academy Advisory Committee includes representatives from:
AREVA
Charlotte Department of Transportation
Duke Energy
Maersk, Inc.
Philip Morris, USA

If you are an engineering professional and wish to get involved with the Leadership Academy, please contact Karina Franco at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .