IT Leadership Academy Accepting Applications
University Information Technology Services and the Division of Human Resources are inviting applicants for the IT Leadership Academy's fourth year, which will begin later this fall.
The program, which began in fall 2015, has helped campus information technology professionals gain the skills they need to excel at the University and work together to build a stronger, more cohesive IT community.
The executive co-sponsor of ITLA, Allison Vaillancourt, vice president of business affairs and human resources, says she has seen the effectiveness of the program.
"In addition to strengthening our IT teams and bonds between units, ITLA is giving participants a more holistic understanding of the University ecosystem and their roles as technology leaders," Vaillancourt said. "ITLA graduates are now collaborating to address universitywide challenges and working together to surface transformational opportunities to deploy IT in support of the UA's teaching, learning and research mission. I am so gratified by the professional community that has emerged."
Ryan Duitman participated in the inaugural ITLA class, in 2015-16, when he was a project manager at UITS. He is now a principal IT manager, overseeing UITS platforms teams. Duitman credited ITLA with expanding his understanding of how the University operates.
"I valued hearing from campus leadership how the UA functions, particularly the budgeting process," Duitman said. "ITLA changed my perspective from just my individual work to how IT decisions affect the University as a whole."
Kat Salthouse was working at the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship when she participated in the 2017-18 ITLA. She recently began a new position as assistant director for records quality at the UA Foundation. Because of her experience in ITLA, she said, "I was able to talk more intelligently about topics related to University operations during the interview."
Now, she says, "I am using ITLA contacts to create new connections for my department, and I know this is going to be continuing."
Salthouse appreciated ITLA's mix of people in technical, support and management positions. "I know I will never be in a purely technical role, but having the opportunity to network with those who are is a great resource," she said, adding that she believes ITLA will create a more effective and connected University.
Duitman said he valued the opportunity to meet kindred spirits – people facing challenges similar to his. "We really built a camaraderie," Duitman said of the connections made among those in the 2015-16 ITLA. "I still have people reaching out to me from various campus departments."
Applications for the ITLA's 2018-19 class will be accepted through May 25. Information technology professionals who want to expand their professional growth and leadership skills are encouraged to apply.
Those who are Interested can apply online by clicking here. A letter of recommendation and a leadership signature are required. Those who are accepted into ITLA must commit to attending monthly half-day sessions, September through March.
"ITLA is creating a strong community of professionals across campus with increased awareness of how the institution operates and how they contribute to advancing the mission," said Tom Bourgeois, ITLA steering committee co-chair and executive director of campus IT operations at UITS. "We really look forward to our next group of applicants for this coming class."
Visit the ITLA website to see the names of past participants.