Leadership U Culminates with Graduation Week in Texas

After 14 months of mentoring, studying, and sharpening leadership skills, the 2023-2024 Leadership U cohort met in Plano, Texas, the week of March 18 to share lessons learned and enjoy a graduation celebration. 

During the program, each of the 22 scholars was paired with a mentor they met with regularly over the 14 months. The scholars aimed to implement lessons and strategies in their school in three distinct projects, each connected to a domain from the Flourishing School Culture Model. The scholars presented on one of those projects at the graduation week to the rest of the cohort. 

Debbie Hammett, the Lower School Principal at Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) in South Carolina, focused her project on stabilizing culture within her school, which had endured plenty of recent change. In the past nine years, HHCA has gone through seven different leaders in its lower school. 

“My goal has been to improve the school culture, mostly focusing on trust this year,” Hammett said. “I want to help teachers know I have their back and are empowered to make changes in our school they need to make.” 

Hammett focused on supportive leadership under the Relationship Domain in the Flourishing Culture Model. 

“This week, the presentations have been very thoughtful and professionally shared,” said Debbie Schindler, Head of School at Pacific Christian Academy in Washington and an LU mentor. “Each one, we really had the impression that the leader grew and will be a better leader because of the project they completed.” 

During the four days in Texas, time was set aside for fun activities and fellowship, as well as times of prayer and encouragement. 

“During the prayer time, I saw hands open, I saw tears, I saw hugs,” said ACSI’s Director of Professional Development Dr. Edward Bunn. “To me, that shows deep relationships, which God has called us to.” 

On the final day, ACSI Chief Operating Officer John Klingstedt exhorted the cohort on the power of ongoing relationships. 

“It is easy for lone leaders to be picked off,” Klingstedt said. “We pray you continue to link arms with people you have met in this cohort.” 

The mentor-scholar relationships proved fruitful this year for both those being mentored and those offering guidance. 

“My mentor, Dr. Keith Curlee, has become a lifelong friend,” said Dr. Jack Farmer, Superintendent at Berean Baptist Academy in North Carolina and an LU Scholar. “The program taught me a lot about myself. It has slowed me down immensely in my decision-making process and matured me as a leader.” 

“I am really blessed to have been a mentor to Juliette Chien,” Schindler said. “She loves God and is passionate about the call on her life. To come alongside and mentor her has been a delight for me, and I’ve learned a lot from her, as well.” 

The program, designed especially for individuals who recently have stepped into leadership roles, encourages scholars to not only discuss philosophies of leadership, but also directly address in-the-moment decisions they have at their school. 

“My mentor, Tom Hughes, and I have talked through emerging issues,” said Brandon Kline, Middle School Principal at Evansville Christian School in Indiana, and an LU Scholar. “This year, I’ve had to walk through a lot of difficult conversations with families and students as students are making decisions that have severe impact. To respond intelligently, thoughtfully, and in a Christlike manner really took a lot of guidance as I worked with Tom.” 

The 2024-2025 Leadership U cohort is set to begin in October, and applications for both scholars and mentors is already open.