Frequently Asked questions
The Delta Leadership Institute provides a year-long leadership development program for regional leaders desiring to prepare themselves for the challenges of the 21st Century. The purpose of the Delta Leadership Institute is to prepare these leaders to collaborate regionally to lead change. To learn more about us, see the frequently asked questions below.
Why was the Delta Leadership Institute formed?
Who sponsors the Delta Leadership Institute and why?
What's the connection between the Delta Leadership Institute and The University of Alabama?
What is the Delta Leadership Institute model of success?
Who is the ideal candidate for the Delta Leadership Institute?
How can I get selected for the Delta Leadership Institute?
How long does the program last?
What kinds of instruction do participants receive?
What next?
The Delta Leadership Institute is just the beginning. After participants graduate, they automatically become members of the Delta Leadership Network. This powerful network of regionally trained leaders is encouraged to continue working on multi-state projects and use their valuable networking connections to transform ideas into reality for the good of the entire Delta region.
Why was the Delta Leadership Institute formed?
We believe the best way to improve a community is to gather the most qualified and committed individuals who want to make a difference and give them access to the resources they need. We provide uninterrupted time for them to grow as individuals, to collaborate as leaders and to address the most pressing issues of the Delta region as a group.
Who sponsors the Delta Leadership Institute and why?
The Delta Regional Authority sponsors the institute to create a connection between leaders and to establish a high-energy network of professionals who are committed to community improvement.
What's the connection between the Delta Leadership Institute and The University of Alabama?
The Delta Regional Authority Board selected The University of Alabama to coordinate the logistics and programming for the Institute. The College of Continuing Studies at The University of Alabama works with the Delta Regional Authority Board to develop educational opportunities for participants to expand their knowledge base and leadership ability.
What is the Delta Leadership Institute model of success?
The model is based on the belief that the best people to solve a problem close to home are the individuals close to home. The participants in the Institute have similar issues based on regional challenges, so while the results are designed to be specific, the participants learn from the expertise of the other members.
Who is the ideal candidate for the Delta Leadership Institute?
The DLI is designed to bring existing leaders together to encourage change in our community. Since the program is dedicated to the improvement of infrastructure, education, healthcare and overall quality of life issues, individuals who share a passion for these kinds of initiatives and the experience and resources to make a difference are ideal candidates.
How can I get selected for the Delta Leadership Institute?
Governors from each of the states represented nominate participants for each cohort session. Find contact information for your state's governor in the leadership section of this site.
How long does the program last?
Participants are engaged in classes and formalized teamwork for one year, but remain active as alumni and serve as mentors and resources to the participants who follow. We select candidates for the program based on their lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities, so we anticipate that alumni with common interests will continue to unite in projects that meet their need to make a difference.
How are projects assigned?
DLI participants actually decide what projects they will work on each year. Individual members are divided into groups which choose from DRA's areas of focus. The areas include infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation.
What kinds of instruction do participants receive?
The institute attracts top-tier specialists to share their research and experience in a variety of areas ranging from communication, leadership, group dynamics and project management.
What kinds of projects have been addressed in the past?
Take a look at the project summaries on the main page to find out what our graduates have accomplished! You'll see that their work ranges from issues in healthcare, education, communication and community safety.
Who can I contact for more information on the program?
To find out more about the Delta Leadership Institute please contact us. You can reach us via email, calling Leonard Smith at (205) 348-4260 or at:
Professional Development & Conference Services
College of Continuing Studies
The University of Alabama
Box 870388
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0388
