CRA Update: Unlock Your Potential at the 2025 CRA Leadership Academy in D.C.

By Janine Myszka, Senior Program Associate, and Matt Hazenbush, Director of Communications

The Computing Research Association (CRA) is excited to announce the 2025 CRA Leadership Academy, a unique opportunity designed to develop and inspire future leaders in computing and computing research. This in-person workshop will be held on February 20-21, 2025, in Washington, D.C., and will bring together newly promoted or soon-to-be-promoted full professors for a day and a half of engaging discussions, hands-on scenarios, and practical guidance on leadership in academia.

Participants will gain insights into leadership roles in computing, team-building, managing academic budgets, and navigating challenging situations, while also expanding their network of peers and mentors. Additionally, attendees will join virtual cohort meetings following the in-person workshop to continue building their connections and deepening their learning.

Key Topics and Skills for Aspiring Leaders

The CRA Leadership Academy aims to help participants explore their own leadership potential and to offer guidance for a meaningful and successful academic career. “Leadership isn’t a position; it’s an action,” said Manuel Pérez Quiñones, Co-Chair of the Leadership Academy and Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. “We want attendees to leave empowered and informed about their potential as leaders. The academy is structured to help them understand the practical, day-to-day aspects of leadership roles, while also engaging with the ‘why’ behind their journey.”

Topics covered in the workshop will include:

• Why Be a Leader? Exploring a range of motivations for taking on leadership roles in computing.
• What Makes a Good Leader? Identifying key skills for effective leadership while recognizing diverse leadership styles.
• Everyone Can Be a Leader – Understanding how individuals can “lead from where they are,” even without an official administrative title.
• The Leadership Job Search Process – An overview of computing/academic leadership positions and pathways to obtain them.
• Dealing with Conflict – Strategies for addressing conflict at various levels, from interpersonal disputes to larger institutional challenges.
• Leading in Academia – Insights into university budget models, faculty recruitment, and managing professional relationships with colleagues and administrators.

Dennis Livesay, Co-Chair of the CRA Leadership Academy and the Dave House Dean of Computing at Michigan Technological University, emphasized the value of learning from experienced academic leaders. “The CRA Leadership Academy provides a platform for open discussion, where participants can hear from leaders who have successfully navigated the many facets of academia. We aim to equip participants with the perspectives and tools to thrive in their leadership roles.”

To prepare for the in-person workshop, participants will receive pre-reading materials. They must also commit to attending all activities, including the follow-up virtual cohort meetings, to make the most of their experience.

Limited scholarships are available to cover travel expenses for attendees whose institutions cannot provide funding. Participants are responsible for covering their travel, hotel accommodations, and a registration fee, which includes meals and other local expenses during the workshop.

Eligibility and Nominations

The CRA Leadership Academy is open to individuals who are approaching promotion to full professor or were recently promoted at a North American academic unit that is a CRA member. Self-nominations are welcome. The nomination form is available on the event page, and all nominations must be submitted by December 13, 2024.

For more details and to nominate yourself or a colleague, please visit the CRA Leadership Academy webpage or contact Janine Myszka at jmyszka@cra.org with any questions.

Organizers

The CRA Leadership Academy is organized by a distinguished program committee:

• Bruce Childers, University of Pittsburgh
• Kinnis Gosha, Morehouse College
• Jim Kurose, The University of Massachusetts at Amherst
• Dennis Livesay (Co-Chair), Michigan Technological University
• Stephanie Ludi, University of North Texas
• Dimitrios Nikolopoulos, Virginia Tech
• Manuel Pérez Quiñones (Co-Chair), University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Rachel Pottinger, The University of British Columbia

Mark your calendars and take this valuable step toward advancing your leadership journey in computing. Join us in Washington, D.C., for an opportunity to grow, connect, and gain invaluable perspectives that will enhance your career and your impact in the academic community.