UNA Leadership Series & Certificate Program – Spring 2026

UNA Leadership Series & Certificate Program – Spring 2026

The Office of Human Resources in partnership with the Center for Learning & Professional Development, is pleased to announce the UNA Leadership Series & Certificate Program.

Are you currently in a leadership role or aspiring to be in management? If you’re ready to invest in yourself and take your leadership potential to the next level, this program is for you. The following series of six classes is designed to strengthen leadership and decision-making skills, build confidence to lead teams effectively, support team development, provide tools for effective communication, and develop practical workplace skills.

• Exploring Leadership and Coaching Strategies to Improve Employee Performance
• Critical Thinking for Effective Communication
• Building Effective Teams
• Management, Delegating, and A.I.
• Employment Law Essentials: What Every Employee Needs to Know
• Marketing Tools

Learn more details about the classes and instructors below.

Important Information
• Employees must receive approval from their direct supervisor and secure funding prior to submitting a tuition remission request.
• Registration costs will be charged to the employee’s department.
• Registration costs will be based on total enrollment and will not exceed $300 per participant.
• To receive the certificate of completion, participants are expected to attend all sessions and may miss no more than one class.
• All classes will be held in Keller 233

We encourage employees to participate in these professional development opportunities. Once approval is received by your direct supervisor, please register no later than Tuesday, February 24th, by submitting the form below and submitting a Continuing Education tuition remission request through Portal – UNA Employee Dashboard.

Exploring Leadership and Coaching Strategies to Improve Employee Performance
Presenter: Matt Oglesby
Date: March 3 | Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
This seminar trains leaders to improve employee performance through understanding, coaching, and accountability. Participants will explore how recognizing differences in employee personalities, motivations, and work styles leads to more effective leadership. Emphasis is placed on servant, ethical, and authentic leadership, consistent feedback, and balancing support with accountability.
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Critical Thinking for Effective Communication
Presenter: Andrea Hunt
Date: March 10 | Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
This workshop explains the communication ecosystem and helps participants identify barriers to effective communication. Attendees will explore the components of a unified communication strategy and how strong communication impacts leadership, workplace interactions, and organizational mission.
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Building Effective Teams
Presenter: Diane Kutz
Date: March 17 | Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
This hands-on seminar introduces the Stages of Team Development based on Bruce Tuckman’s research and explores four work styles from Business Chemistry by Kim Cristfort and Suzanne Vickberg. Participants will learn how understanding and valuing different work styles contributes to stronger, more effective teams.
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Management, Delegating, and A.I.
Presenter: Justin Carter
Date: March 31 | Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This interactive workshop focuses on managing competing demands, prioritization, delegation, and decision-making while protecting time for deep, focused work. Participants will also learn how artificial intelligence can be used as a supportive tool to reduce cognitive load and streamline routine tasks.
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Employment Law Essentials: What Every Employee Needs to Know
Presenter: Matt Oglesby
Date: April 7 | Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
This practical seminar covers key areas of employment law, including discrimination and harassment, wage and hour requirements, workplace safety, and more. Participants will learn how these laws apply to real-world situations and how to recognize and respond to potential issues.
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Marketing Tools
Presenter: Raysha Rhea
Date: April 14 | Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This session provides guidance on effectively marketing departments and events while aligning with UNA brand standards. Participants will learn how to apply brand guidelines across print, digital, and social media to create consistent, engaging messaging.