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The University of ������ƵSystem Administrative Leadership Development Program (ALDP) is a prestigious program that provides professional development opportunities and ongoing support to administrative leaders on all campuses systemwide. ALDP enhances leadership effectiveness by focusing on four core leadership competencies:

• Performance Oriented
• People Centered
• Values Driven
• Strategic and Integrative Leaders

Since 2005, ALDP has supported an annual cohort of administrative leaders who demonstrate the qualities of the University of ������ƵSystem name and represent the best of leadership at a higher education institution.

Namesake

Dr. Elson S. Floyd served as UM System President from 2003-2007. During his tenure, the program, which was formerly just the Leadership Development Program (LDP) designed for faculty development, was expanded to staff leaders as the ALDP.

Program Goals

Administrative leaders uphold and define the University of ������ƵSystem mission and the direction and values of its departments. We believe that by investing in the professional development of administrative leaders, we are investing in a vibrant future for our organization. The goals of the program are as follows:

• Engage a broad group of administrative leaders from across the UM System. Provide support to ALDP participants through program content, relationship building within the cohort and exposure to resources within the UM System.
• Advance individual and collective leadership capacity through skill building, targeted application exercises and disciplined reflection around the four core leadership competencies (Performance Oriented, People Centered, Values Driven and Strategic and Integrative Leader).
• Provide an opportunity for leaders to explore complex dynamics within the organization and propose actions that would make the UM System a better place to work, learn and grow.

Curriculum

ALDP is a comprehensive leadership experience structured around three progressive retreats: Leading Yourself, Leading Others, and Leading the Organization. 

Participants engage in exploring essential leadership competencies including values-based leadership, vision crafting, building organizational alignment, establishing trust, feedback practices, change navigation, and strategic execution. Between retreats, participants collaborate on intersession group work to deepen their learning and apply concepts to real-world leadership challenges.

What ALDP Participants Can Expect

• Eight-month active learning engagement
  • Three, two-day in person retreats in Columbia, MO
  • Monthly campus group meetings (one hour per month)
  • Additional time to complete assessments and learning assignments
• Ongoing support from program facilitators, ALDP alumni and organizational leaders

ALDP Participant Criteria

How to Apply

Interested in applying for ALDP? Applications for the 2026 cohort are available from January 22-February 10.

Please be prepared to answer the following questions: 

1. What are your personal and professional goals for participating in ALDP? (1200 character limit)
2. How will your participation in ALDP benefit your department and institution? (600 character limit)
3. Please tell us about current or previous leadership experiences you have had. (1200 character limit)

Campus HR departments coordinate the selection of the ALDP cohort. Due to the large number of highly competitive applications, not all who apply will be accepted to the program.

Cost

This professional development opportunity is provided by the University of ������ƵSystem Office of Human Resources, with no cost to participants.

Questions

Contact the UM Human Resources Learning and Organizational Development team at learningdevelopment@umsystem.edu.

Program Alumni

A cohort is selected annually to engage in the year-long program. Past cohorts are great resources and can explain the program and serve as a broader network of leaders. Access a list of ALDP alumni in our alumni directory.