A Lutheran understanding of vocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Program
What is the purpose of the program?
The program is designed to develop the next generation of senior leaders for Lutheran higher education and church-wide agencies by exploring the “Why”, “Who” and “How” of leadership.
How much time do I have to dedicate to the program?
The online and in-person retreats are very intensive requiring your attendance and engagement for the entire time. Outside the retreats you will work on a project for your organization. The time varies for the project. It is typically associated with your own work.
How large is each cohort?
Cohort size varies from 13 to 16 participants.
What will my institution be responsible for financially?
Your institution is responsible for tuition, travel, accommodations, meals, and any other costs associated with your attendance.
What are LECNA Fellow Program alumnae/alumni doing today?
We are very pleased that twenty-nine Fellows have been promoted to presidencies, thirty-six to vice presidencies and twenty-nine to the director or dean level.
How can I be nominated for the program?
Your nomination must come from the president of your institution. You can find the application materials on the LECNA web site here.
In-person Retreats
Details for the in-person retreats will be posted as soon as arrangements are complete.
Schedules and Commitments
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Virtual opening retreat: Two ½ day sessions on May 25 and 26, 2021.
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Coaching sessions and webinars/web team meetings: June 2021 to May 2022—excluding July 2021, December 2021, and March 2022—on dates and times accessible to the Fellows.
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In person retreat: three full-day sessions with Fellows arriving on Wednesday Nov 10, 2021 and departing Sunday Nov 14, 2021.
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Virtual mid-year retreat: Two ½ day sessions on January 3 and 4, 2022.
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In-person closing retreat: one and one-half day sessions with Fellows arriving the morning of Friday May 20, 2022 and departing on Sunday May 22, 2022.
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Completion of a personal Integrated Leader Model and Visionary Leadership Project.
Projects:
Visionary Leadership Project
What is the project mentioned in the application materials?
The Visionary Leadership Project (VLP) is a significant dimension of the LECNA Fellows Program as it provides an opportunity for each Fellow to apply the concept of Visionary Organizational Leadership and to do so by planning, executing, assessing, and then reporting on an important project or activity that is related to their current position and responsibilities. The VLP timetable spans the Program year and begins with a project proposal. Fellows will be advised by one of the program co-directors throughout the year, and the final project report will be presented at the Closing Retreat.
It is important that the project be discussed with and approved by each Fellow’s President or reporting officer. Also, it is recommended that the project includes a visit to one of more Lutheran campus, church, or agency to work with colleagues who are able to be of help in moving your project forward (Fellows are responsible for arranging these visits. As needed, Program Staff can help make the necessary contacts.)
How do I decide on a project?
What makes a good project will vary by individual and institution. If you have past fellows at your institution reach out to them and ask them about their projects.
Integrated Leadership Model
At the closing retreat Fellows will present a 10-minute overview of their personal Integrated Leader Model (ILM). It can be a visual presentation/model, summary paper, or any other creative way of explaining a personal, sustainable leader model.
This model is prepared based on the leader framework presented in the program at the opening and mid-year retreats and developed in conjunction with your coach.
Leader development is viewed as an ongoing process of formation and capacity building, integration, adaptability and resilience are at the core of sustainable leader development. Therefore, the model should include follow-on leader development efforts.
