Charlotte employees complete inaugural Rise to LEADership Certificate program
The Rise to LEADership Certificate program marked a milestone this summer as its first cohort successfully completed this new professional development program designed for employees aspiring to future leadership roles.
Created to strengthen Charlotte’s internal talent pipeline, the initiative, designed by HR’s learning and organizational development team, equips emerging leaders with the interpersonal skills essential for advancing into supervisory and managerial positions, while elevating their impact in their current roles.
Built around five core pillars — peer leadership, relationship building, strategic thinking, honest feedback and leadership career positioning — the curriculum offers targeted training to help participants lead without authority, strengthen professional networks, think more critically and communicate with clarity. The program also demystifies the logistics of preparing for leadership roles, giving employees practical tools and visibility to support their career advancement.
“Charlotte’s strength comes from the talent and dedication of its people,” said Hannah Miles, learning and development manager. “This inaugural cohort represents the future of our leadership pipeline, and their commitment to developing essential skills positions them — and the University — for long‑term success.”
To earn a certificate, participants were required to complete at least four of the five courses offered. Each course provided hands-on learning, peer collaboration and real-world application designed to help employees grow as leaders.
Congratulations to the summer 2026 cohort members.
Academic Affairs
- Matthew Barger, College of Computing and Informatics
- Taniqua Canzater, Belk College of Business
- Steve Carter, Digital and Professional Learning
- LeeAnn Clark, College of Health and Human Services
- Chris Duncan, Digital and Professional Learning
- Katie Franck, Belk College of Business
- Shannon Homesley, Office of Academic Affairs
- Dayle Janus, Digital and Professional Learning
- Daryl Lewis, University College Advising
- Mary McLean, College of Computing and Informatics
- Nicole Montgomery, Belk College of Business
- Paula Ruiz, Digital and Professional Learning
- Rania Sorour, College of Computing and Informatics
- Tonya Thompson, Center for ADVANCing Faculty Success
- Franziska Vauth, Digital and Professional Learning
- Jessica Waldman, William States Lee College of Engineering
- Lisa Williams, Belk College of Business
Office of OneIt
- Allan Bernard, Client Engagement
Research
- Linda Reece, Office of Research Services
Student Affairs
- Callie Auman, Venture Outdoor Leadership
Interested in joining the spring 2027 cohort?
Applications for the spring 2027 cohort will open in December on the HR website and will be featured in Niner Insider. Please contact the learning and organizational development team through HR Connect with any questions,