Shape Your Leadership Future at the 2025 CRA Leadership Academy
By Matt Hazenbush, Director of Communications
Are you a newly promoted or soon-to-be-promoted full professor in computing? The Computing Research Association (CRA) invites you to nominate yourself or a colleague for the 2025 CRA Leadership Academy, an in-person workshop designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in computing research. The academy will be held February 20-21, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with applications closing on December 13, 2024.
This immersive event provides a unique opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, expand your network, and learn from experienced leaders in computing. Participants will engage in interactive sessions on topics such as team-building, navigating university budgets, conflict resolution, and more.
The event will be co-located with a meeting of the CRA Board of Directors, providing participants with unique opportunities to engage and network with esteemed computing research leaders serving on the board. Additionally, attendees will join follow-up virtual cohort meetings in spring 2025 to continue learning and connecting with peers.
Hear from Past Participants
Past attendees have shared how the CRA Leadership Academy impacted their professional growth and leadership aspirations:
“The most inspiring part of attending the CRA Leadership Academy was connecting with other aspiring leaders in computing at similar career stages,” said Pamela Wisniewski, Associate Professor in Human-Computer Interaction and a Flowers Faculty Fellow in Engineering at Vanderbilt University. “It was incredibly valuable to learn about different trajectories into leadership and to network with such a supportive community.”
Dorian Arnold, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Emory University, reflected on the program’s unique offerings. “This was an exceptional experience. The highlights for me included hearing candid advice from the search firm panel, connecting with a compelling cohort of rising leaders, and engaging closely with community leaders who were incredibly open to mentoring and sharing their insights. The contacts I made continue to be a valuable resource.”
“What stood out to me was the diversity of perspectives brought together,” shared Adrienne Decker, an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at the University at Buffalo. “Hearing stories and lessons from those just beginning their leadership journey to seasoned leaders with decades of experience provided a rich understanding of leadership pathways. The interactive discussions and networking opportunities made it an even more rewarding experience.”
Why Apply?
The CRA Leadership Academy is designed to:
- Equip you with practical tools and strategies for leadership roles in computing.
- Provide insights into navigating the complexities of academic environments.
- Connect you with peers and mentors who can support your leadership journey.
Limited scholarships are available to assist participants whose institutions cannot provide funding for travel. Participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodations, and a registration fee, which includes meals and workshop materials.
Eligibility and Application Details
The academy is open to individuals at CRA-member North American universities who are:
- Recently promoted or approaching promotion to full professor.
- Committed to attending both the in-person workshop and the follow-up virtual cohort meetings.
Applications are due by December 13, 2024. To apply or nominate a colleague, visit the CRA Leadership Academy webpage.
Take the next step in your academic leadership journey by applying to the 2025 CRA Leadership Academy. We look forward to helping you unlock your potential and make a lasting impact in computing research.
