The Indiana University Leadership Development Certification Program concluded its spring 2025 cohort this week with a celebratory symposium at Hine Hall in Indianapolis. Over the past ten weeks, participants from across IU campuses and external organizations explored core leadership principles designed to elevate their impact professionally and personally.
“Investing in leadership development is more than professional growth—it's about cultivating a mindset grounded in equity, accountability and collaboration,” said Indiana University Interim Vice President Rashad Nelms, JD. “This program equips participants with the tools to lead authentically and inclusively, creating lasting impact across their teams and communities.”
Led by Indiana University, the program blends in-person and virtual sessions across five modules. Topics range from self-leadership and talent management to policy engagement and crisis leadership—culminating in the concept of “Legacy Leadership.”
“Participating in the IU Leadership Development Certification Program has been eye-opening,” said Billie Jean Barry, information technology services projects coordinator on the IU School of Medicine Health Technology Services team, during the closing event. “It’s helped me learn from past leadership mistakes and given me the tools to grow—not just for myself, but to bring others into the process. Leadership isn’t a solo act. This program highlights the importance of inclusion and collaboration and shows how to move forward by recognizing and utilizing everyone’s strengths. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to make meaningful change on their team but unsure where to start.”
Participants engaged with thought leaders from higher education, corporate sectors, nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout the program. Each module incorporated interactive case studies, readings and reflection activities designed to help participants internalize concepts and apply them in real time to their leadership contexts.
“One thing I will be taking away from this program is feeling like I belong in a room full of people who have more experience than I do as I am currently not in a leadership role,” said Kelsey Thornhill, a Housing Specialist for the non-profit organization Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC). “It’s definitely given me the confidence to learn from them and strive for the leadership role I would like to step into one day.”
Participant Reflections Highlight Impact
In addition to the formal remarks shared at the event, participants expressed appreciation for the program’s practical tools, inclusive approach and lasting community.
“This program gave us all the space to communicate our perspectives and opinions in a safe, productive way where we could all learn together and from each other,” shared one participant.
Others commented on the unique blend of perspectives in the cohort: “Working through the modules together really highlighted how different each of us is—and that’s what made it such a powerful experience. By having those conversations, we developed a shared vocabulary and a deeper understanding of one another. By the end, our group felt empowered and equipped to carry those tools forward into other spaces.”
For many, the in-person symposium was both a networking opportunity and a launchpad. Attendees shared key takeaways, networked with fellow leaders and celebrated their commitment to inclusive, values-driven leadership. The event also featured remarks from keynote speakers and IU leadership, recognizing the achievements of this diverse and dynamic group.
“Over the last couple of years, micro-credentials have gained popularity amongst individuals looking to enhance their current skill set or gain new skills,” said Monica Johnson, PhD, associate vice president at Indiana University. “This program meets participants in the middle, no matter where they are in their journey and gives them a community to learn alongside, tangible action items to apply in their workplaces—which span across industries—and gives opportunities for forging the pathway they want to follow.”
As the ceremony concluded, each graduate received their official IU Leadership Development Certification, marking not just the end of the program but also the beginning of a new phase in their leadership journey.
Applications for the fall 2025 cohort open soon, continuing IU’s investment in cultivating leaders prepared to meet complex challenges with clarity, courage and innovation.