Applied Leadership and Learning Programs

Welcome from the Director of Programs and the Department Head

Welcome to the Applied Leadership and Learning Programs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga! Thank you for interest in UTC LEAD Programs! Our multidisciplinary programs are designed to be work and experience-embedded, allowing you to integrate your professional practice with academic growth.

Whitter you're pursuing the BAS in Applied Leadership, the Essentials of Leadership Certificate, the EdD in Leadership and Professional Practice, the PhD in Leadership and Decision-Making, or the Higher Education Leadership Certificate, our curriculum emphasizes:

• Equip participants with an understanding of the relationship that learning plays in the leadership process
• Develop reflective practitioners in a variety of organizations
• Focus on the interwoven nature of leadership, decision-making, and learning
• Emphasizing the competencies that individuals and teams will need as they pursue the challenges of organizational change

From a leadership and decision-making perspective, we believe that leadership is a shared learning process based on organizational goals and measurable outcomes, not the study of the individuals typically viewed as leaders/bosses. We view learning as change and transformation relative to cognition and human behavior in multiple venues. Beyond traditional leadership and learning theory, we explore theory and concepts that transcend most participants’ prior learning. Our philosophy supports the development and demonstration of organizational strategies to use cognitive, ethical, and data-informed perspectives in the decision-making process of any professional practice.

After reviewing the information on our websites, please reach out to the LEAD Program Office (EdD & PhD programs) at [email protected] or the LEAP Program Office (BAS-AL program) at [email protected] with any questions or to schedule an appointment with the program advisor.

We extend our best wishes on all academic and professional endeavors. 

All the best - David W. Rausch, Programs Director and Elizabeth K. Crawford, Department Head