Dena Nazer, M.D., professor of Pediatrics for the Wayne State University School of Medicine, has been selected to serve as a member of the 2024-25 Academic Leadership Academy for the university. 

Launched in 2019 as part of Wayne State University’s ongoing commitment to the success and growth of its faculty and staff and in alignment with the Strategic Plan’s emphasis on teaching, learning and student success, this prestigious group of fellows is dedicated to propelling the university’s mission. The 2024-25 Academic Leadership Academy fellows represent disciplines and units across campus.

“Wayne State is proud to foster a culture among our academic leaders where we support one another to develop and grow in service of our shared mission,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D. “In addition to excellence in their respective roles, these leaders have stepped up to find innovative and creative ways to collectively advance this mission.”  

Following a competitive application process, the selected fellows develop a leadership project to improve a facet of campus life. Fellows are also given the opportunity to build leadership skills through the group’s retreat, monthly seminars, ongoing meetings with coaches and mentors, and a variety of assessments.

“Wayne State will benefit for years to come because of the thoughtful, collaborative efforts of the Academic Leadership Academy fellows. The new cohort will join previous fellows in improving the university as committed lifelong learners working together for a common goal,” said Sara Kacin, Ph.D., assistant provost for Faculty Development and Faculty Success, and director of the Office for Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Nazer will further develop the Wayne State Empowerment of Academicians in Medicine, or WE AIM, faculty development program, open to all faculty at the rank of assistant and associate professor, especially those who are underrepresented in medicine. The program works to equip faculty with the skills necessary for success within academic medicine.

WE AIM won Best in Class in the category of Developing the Next Generation of Leaders at the 2023 Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Diversity and Inclusion and Group on Faculty Affairs Joint Professional Conference.

The program graduated its first cohort, consisting of 11 faculty members, in June 2023. Dr. Nazer said feedback from the participants was positive, with the majority rating the program “excellent and beneficial.”

The ALA is a one-year program designed for represented faculty and staff who have some knowledge and experience working toward the mission of WSU and in their areas of expertise and are prepared to build their capacity to be more effective leaders in their disciplines, departments, schools/colleges/units, and/or communities, in either formal and informal leadership roles. Program participants, known as ALA fellows, build on their emerging leadership skills by applying what they learn during the academy to their current roles as well as to a leadership project or special focus of their choice.

To learn more about the 2024-25 ALA cohort and their projects, visit provost.wayne.edu/academic-personnel/professional-development/leadership/academy.

For more information about professional development for academic personnel, go to provost.wayne.edu/academic-personnel/professional-development.