LEAP

Learn. Engage. Aspire. Present. (The Pilot)

From Flock to Flight: A Region III Leadership & Mentoring Program

Applications will open in June 2026 for the new cohort! 

 

LEAP Pilot Program Recognition 

We proudly recognize the inaugural cohort (2025-2026) of the NCURA Region III LEAP (Learn. Engage. Aspire. Present.) Program—a pilot designed to strengthen leadership, connection, and professional growth across our research administration community. This first cohort stepped into the unknown with commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to grow, not just individually, but together. Their engagement and insight have helped shape LEAP’s future and set a strong foundation for what’s to come. We extend our sincere congratulations to our participants and deep appreciation to the coaches whose vision and dedication brought this pilot to life.
 
 
Congratulations to the Pilot Cohort!
Mentees
  • Hardy Adham, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
  • Marisela Bravo, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Kristen Hartung, University of Arkansas
Mentors
  • Melissa Freudenberger, Clemson University
  • Martin Noriega, University of Florida
  • Christy Stanley, Kentucky Commercialization Ventures
Program Coaches & Leadership
  • Georgetta Dennis, Attain Partners, PDC Coordinator
  • Leerin Shields, AdventHealth
  • Erin Blackwell, University of Central Florida
  • Jeanne Viviani-Ayers, University of Central Florida, Immediate Past Chair

 

Click Here for Professional Development Committee and LEAP Coaches

Program Description Overview:

LEAP is an 8-month pilot leadership and professional development journey designed for research administrators across NCURA Region III. Inspired by the nautilus shell’s growth, participants in LEAP build layer upon layer of purpose, vision, confidence, and skills. As the nautilus must grow beyond the chambers that once held it, so too do professionals evolve beyond old comfort zones.

Why are we piloting an existing program?

The original RAMP program from 2018 was comprehensive, focusing on interpersonal communication skills. After reviewing the program content, reviewing feedback and assessments from prior mentees and mentors, we need your help to expand and explore skills and opportunities for the next generation of research administrators. Building skills in critical thinking, communication, and leadership by advancing the profession of research administration.

What are we looking for?

In this pilot program, we are seeking a small cohort of individuals who are interested in both learning and growing as well as developing and contributing to the new LEAP program of the future.

Participants will advance their leadership capacity, build their internal compass, and develop a strong sense of professional identity through structured monthly sessions, mentorship, and community discussions. The program culminates in a participant-led panel or presentation at the NCURA Region III Spring Meeting in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Who Should Apply

Mentees:

Anyone who is seeking leadership, communication, and career development in research administration. We suggest those with less than five years of experience in research administration, but are not exclusively looking at years of experience. We are looking for bold vision and an enthusiastic sense of purpose for being part of the program. Supervisor support is required at the time of application. A supervisor’s letter is not a consideration for selection; it is only a commitment that the mentee will be in the program.

Mentees need to commit to:

  • Attending the monthly leadership program.
  • Meet monthly with mentor and provide LEAP Coaches with feedback.
  • Attendance and presentation at the Region III Spring Meeting (strongly encouraged)

 Mentors:

Five+ years of experience in research administration, passionate about growing others and growing yourself in leadership skills and development. We are looking for those who want to share their wisdom and serve others. Prior mentoring experience welcome but not required. Supervisor support is required at the time of application. A supervisor’s letter is not a consideration for selection; it is only a commitment that the mentee will be in the program.

Mentors need to commit to:

  • Openness to self-reflection and discussion with other mentors.
  • Attend the monthly leadership program.
  • Meet monthly 1:1 with mentee and provide LEAP Coaches with feedback.
  • Attendance and presentation at the Region III Spring Meeting (strongly encouraged)

 NOTE: Online live programs require the same amount of time and resources to co-teach and produce as live events, and the expectation is that all participants keep their cameras on to engage as authentically as possible.

Program Components

Sessions will be held on the first Wednesday of each month, October through April. Topics include self-awareness and exploration of personality, values, leadership, communication, time and energy management, conflict resolution, and career and professional aspirations.

  • Cohort Learning: Attendance at the monthly LEAP Sessions for all mentees and mentors.
  • Personalized Engagement: One-on-one monthly meetings with mentee/mentor to learn, reflect, strategize, and connect.
  • Written Reflections: Opportunities for deeper reflection and articulation of leadership identity and goals.
  • Flamingo Forum: Informal peer-led discussion space for participants to share insights and challenges.
  • Shoreline Circle: Virtual space for mentors to connect and support one another.
  • Spring Meeting Showcase: Participants will co-present or participate in a panel to reflect on their growth and learning.

 Expectations: 1-1-1

            Is a minimum of 3 hours a month too much to grow and learn both personally and professionally? We believe that, at a minimum, LEAP participants need to invest 3 hours a month toward their growth and self-development. The model is based on a minimum commitment of 1-1-1: 1 hour of asynchronous learning on your own, which may include videos or reading; 1 hour of monthly LEAP Sessions with the full cohort on the topic; and 1 hour of 1:1 coaching and discussion with your mentor.

           We encourage you to increase your investment in your own self-development by searching for and sharing resources on each month’s topic.

 If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us: ncuraregion3@gmail.com