New Dimensions in Leadership

The University of La Verne's Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership is pioneering new dimensions in the development of leaders and architects of change. One dimension highlights the concept of the leader balanced in "knowing," "doing," and "being." This integration heightens the capacity for authentic leadership - a prerequisite for reshaping organizations so they can survive and flourish.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

Successfully leading organizations in today's complex, turbulent environment requires advanced knowledge and skills in the process, context, and dynamics of change. "Leading at the edge," the place between order and chaos, depicts the second dimension in the art of leadership and change.

"The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been." Henry Kissinger

A developmental approach to learning represents the third dimension of this innovative program. The focus is on leadership and change as they relate to personal, interpersonal, team, and organizational effectiveness. Incorporated are the tools and processes of leadership (decision making, conflict management, communication, planning, visioning, facilitation, politics, research, etc.) which spiral over three years in an ever-widening depth of understanding and skill development.

Building a learning community which capitalizes on the new world of learning "anytime, anywhere" describes the final dimension in leadership development. Knowledge and skills are acquired via technology and face-to-face interactions with colleagues and faculty.

Grounded in a learning covenant that engages all stakeholders in co-creating knowledge and learning, students, guided by faculty and mentors from the field, significantly impact their organizations and ultimately make major contributions to the field.

Faculty

All students regularly interact with the entire faculty, who are nationally recognized and honored. Students also participate in local learning groups, where they interact and are coached by faculty who are leading practitioners in the field.

Blended Program

The University of La Verne Doctoral Program utilizes an extraordinary blend of "high tech" and "high touch" ensuring students the best of both. Technology is used to delivery content and allows students to interact and communicate across the program regardless of location. Students interact in virtual teams, participate in webinars, and remotely access learning resources through the ULV library system. In addition, students meet face to face in practicums and local learning groups for skill development, research, reflection, learning, and coaching.

Program Components - Leadership & Research

The University of La Verne Doctoral Program builds on two major program elements - leadership and research. Leadership is viewed as the application of new skills and knowledge to creating and changing organizations. Students are actively engaged in field work that connects learning to hands on experiences in organizations. The learning experience is supported by ongoing research that develops scholarly practitioners and cumulates in an original research project.