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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Texas Academic Leadership Academy?
  The Texas Academic Leadership Academy (TALA) is a year-long, intensive leadership experience aimed at developing aspiring academic leaders’ leadership skills with the support of the Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers (TCCAO) and Sam Houston State University. With a focus on the specific issues Texas higher education institutions face, TALA also addresses many of the goals laid out by the 60x30TX Strategic Plan and individual institutions. TALA Fellows are guided by senior academic leaders, leadership experts, and mentors through an intensive, catered experience.
• What topics are covered at TALA?
  Topics covered by the Texas Academic Leadership Academy (TALA) are drawn from research conducted with senior institutional leaders. They include finance of higher education, diversity, conflict management, free speech, faculty concerns, research, assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning, to name a few.
• How much does it cost to participate in TALA?
  Cost for participation in the academy is $1500 per participant plus individual travel expenses to the three face-to-face meetings.
• How do you become a TALA Fellow?
  TALA fellows are nominated by institutional Chief Academy Officers (CAO). CAOs may nominate up to 3 nominees by writing a letter of support. Nominees must also submit an application form, a Curricula Vita, and the contact information for a senior leader who will serve as the Fellow's mentors. All of this information, including the letter of support, must be email to tala@shsu.edu by May 15, 2024.
• What happens during the year-long experience?

  Once selected, TALA Fellows will engage in a variety of face-to-face and online experiences with TALA coaches, mentors, policy makers, and peers. This will establish a collegial network upon which TALA Fellows can rely.

  TALA will consist of 3 face-to-face meetings held annually from August – July. Tentatively, these face-to-face sessions are set to occur in the Houston, Dallas, and Austin metropolitan areas, respectively. In between these face-to-face sessions, Fellows will engage in an active online learning environment. These online sessions will cover specific topics and will be led by senior leaders and experts in the topics being discussed. Sessions will alternate between synchronous and asynchronous settings, allowing Fellows the ease of participating as their time allows and reducing travels costs.

  Fellows will also be guided in their experience through a structured mentor relationship. Institutions will be asked to provide a mentor for each Fellow. Mentors will guide Fellows through the development of an Individualized Leadership Development Plan, meet with Fellows regularly, and provide feedback to Fellows.

• What is the benefit of being a TALA Fellow?
  By participating in TALA, institutions will be developing a group of aspiring leaders who have enhanced their abilities to respond to the complex issues facing higher education institutions today. TALA Fellows will grow into academic leaders and respond to unique situations readily and effectively. Moreover, mentors will also enhance their capacity to give advice and support others around them. Finally, TALA will serve as a means to connect Fellow, mentors, and institutional leaders with discourses surrounding 60x30TX and other strategic initiatives. The final face-to-face session of the academy will be a 60x30TX Summit, connecting Fellows with THECB leaders and state policy makers. This will be a unique opportunity to develop relationships with THECB leaders and brainstorm ideas for preparing for 60x30TX.