Leadership Excellence Program (LEP)

Program Overview

The Excellerate HU! Leadership Excellence Program (LEP) is a signature initiative led by the Office of Human Resources. Designed and facilitated by our team of training specialists, the program aims to empower HU leaders to serve as catalysts for sustained engagement, operational excellence, and strategic impact.

Through enhanced support, open communication, and innovative leadership development, HU leaders will be equipped to implement best practices consistently—ultimately improving organizational effectiveness and the overall student experience.

This initiative includes a series of sessions focused on equipping leaders as change agents who actively drive the implementation of Howard University’s mission and vision. Developing every leader is a critical step toward creating a consistently positive and thriving environment for staff across campus.

Please note: The Leadership Excellence Program is now an invite-only program. Eligible senior leaders will receive an official invitation to apply via email from HU Learning.

A senior leader at Howard University is a key executive responsible for shaping and executing the university's strategic vision. They manage other managers or report directly to a cabinet member, overseeing multiple teams or cross-functional initiatives. Senior leaders drive long-term goals through strategic decision-making, influence, and systems thinking, impacting the university’s overall direction and operations.

Program Calendar

Please note that the schedule below is tentative. Dates will be confirmed before the start of the cohort.
Session Date Start Time End Time Modality
Authenticity/Self Awareness Kickoff September 10AM 1PM In-person
Leading Change and Establishing Strategic Direction October 10AM 1PM In-person
Managing Performance and Inspiring Excellence November 10AM 1PM In-person
Building and Growing Talent and Delegation December 10AM 1PM In-person
 Managing Difficult Conversations January 10AM 1PM In-person
Cultivating Relationships, Belonging, and Trust February 10AM 1PM In-person
Leadership at Howard: Speed Coach the Coach with Howard Leaders March 10AM 1PM In-person
Group Presentations and Graduation April 10AM 1PM In-person
Commitments to this program include the following:
  • Pre-work: Participants will be expected to complete a one-time pre-work assignment prior to the first session which will be based on their managerial journey. Participants will be expected to present their completed pre-work managerial journey during the first session. More details will be shared before the program begins.
  • Live Sessions: One three-hour instructor led session per month for 6 months.
  • Post-work: After each session, participants will complete post-session assignments that will require them to demonstrate understanding of learned content through application. Participants will share their reflections and updates at the following session.
  • Peer groups: Peer groups will meet between sessions to complete preassigned tasks, build stronger networks, and enhance learning by discussing leadership skills and topics that are relevant to current or future work projects.
  • Micro-courses: As a member of the cohort, individuals will also have access to online subscription content in the form of micro-courses. These courses are optional but highly recommended to be completed between each session.

Take a look at previous cohorts!

managers working together

As part of the program, senior leaders receive feedback from other leaders regarding their projects.

Charles presenting

Speakers from HR lead discussions on topics such as belonging and inclusion.

charles talking with senior leaders

Leaders engage in discussions with their peers facilitated by presenters.

leaders talking with their peers

Leaders collaborate in small group discussions for gaining insights into topics.

Aisha Wise Pic

Testimonial

Being a new manager can be quite challenging.  Manager Aisha Wise shares her perspective on the Excellerate Managers program.