IT@UC Leadership Academy Graduation

University of Cincinnati Information Technologies (UCIT) launched the Leadership Academy for the IT community at UC (also known as IT@UC) in September 2013. This annual initiative is rooted in a commitment to develop and train the future leaders of information technology at the university.

Members of the inaugural class participated in 10, full-day leadership development sessions and collaborated on projects throughout the 10-month program. The curriculum also incorporated opportunities for sustained mentorship and continuous improvement.

On June 19, we celebrated graduation day at Boost! (Not Your Typical Meeting Space) downtown. Graduates reported on the projects they initiated as part of Leadership Academy—there is more information about those below. And, we reported on the gifts we received from one another throughout the journey—friendship; support; understanding of our individual and team strengths; and the real feeling of giving to something much bigger than ourselves.

UCIT will be accepting applications for the second annual IT@UC Leadership Academy. Many thanks to M E Clarke Consulting, LLC for leading this initiative for us!

“IT@UC Leadership Academy, 2013-2014 class, met the Campus Recreation Center for a day of teambuilding exercises, including some rock climbing!”

“The success of our Leadership Academy is based in no small part on the dedication and collaborative partnership of Meghan Clarke and Nelson Vincent, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Office at the university.”

“One of the best parts of Leadership Academy—getting to know one another!”

Project Descriptions

Team Sparki—Sparki is a programmable robotic vehicle that allows students to experience the interconnectivity of hardware (sensors), software, and everyday objects. The Team is seeking funding to support a Sparki project/curriculum to reach out to students who attend the Freshman Challenge Camp at the University of Cincinnati.

Team ShareIT—ShareIT is a mobile application that connects the university’s IT resources to K-12 students, teachers, parents, counselors and advisors. The Team received a university-sponsored Diversity Grant to fund the production of ShareIT, which will leverage technology to attract students who aren’t normally exposed STEM-related programs.

IT@UC Showcase—The Showcase Team is planning the first annual “IT@UC Showcase,” Thursday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in TUC’s Great Hall. The event celebrates how students, faculty and staff experience IT@UC every day. Guest speakers, vendor exhibitors, and students, faculty and staff will demonstrate the innovative ways they partner to deliver IT excellence to the University of Cincinnati.

By Guest Author, Emily Baute