Oregon Executive Leadership Academy

The Oregon Executive Leadership Academy (OELA) is a year-long cohort program to provide leadership learning, coaching and mentoring to current and up-and-coming senior-level administrators in Oregon community colleges. It will combine face-to-face residential learning with online and campus-based experiences. The academy is led by Lane Community College President Emerita Dr. Mary Spilde. 

2026-27 OELA Flyer

2026-2027 OELA Dates

  • Oct. 1 – 2, 2026  |  in-person (Eugene)
  • Nov. 3 – 4, 2026  |  in-person; connects with OCCA Annual Conference (Sunriver Resort)
  • Dec. 11, 2026  |  virtual
  • Feb. 25 – 26, 2027  | virtual
  • April 16, 2027  |  virtual
  • May 11 – 13, 2027  |  in-person (Portland)
Apply Now!

Application Materials

  • Application Form
  • Personal statement on leadership, which also addresses equity and applicant expectations of program outcomes
  • Letter of support from college president

Submit all application materials by August 7, 2026, to Laura Crook (laura@occa17.com) & Mary Spilde (spildem@lanecc.edu)

Program funded by the Oregon President’s Council Strategic Fund. Travel funded by participant’s college. The program is supported in partnership between OCCA and the Strategic Fund.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in at least mid-level management (or demonstrate other experience that qualifies for your program)
  • Record of successful leadership & management experiences
  • Support from applicant’s president
  • Institutional commitment for time & financial support
  • Participants must commit to attending every session

Ideal For

  • Deans
  • Directors
  • Department Chairs

Participants Will Learn To:

  • Converse knowledgeably on key issues facing community colleges in Oregon;
  • Interact effectively with college leaders, legislators and other state policymakers;
  • Demonstrate an expanded understanding of college operations outside their own area of expertise;
  • Identify leadership qualities and management capacities;
  • Present themselves effectively in application and interview situations; and
  • Lead change.

Academy Topics

  • Leading From Within:
    • Purpose & Values
    • Emotional Intelligence & Positivity
    • Leadership Plan
    • Management Philosophy
  • Taking the Next Step:
    • Choosing the Next Position
    • Application Materials
    • Interviewing
  • Defining & Building a Culture of Student Success
  • Orientation to the State of Oregon
  • Collaborating Around a Common Purpose
  • Appreciative Inquiry
  • Leading Change
  • Equity
  • Facilitating Outcomes-Based Meetings
  • Work-Life Balance & Resilience
  • Leadership Panels

Additional Details

Non-residential learning will include reading, online discussion, coaching and attendance at select meetings and conferences, including:

  • Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) meeting
  • OCCA Board meeting
  • Local college board meeting
  • Legislative hearing
  • OCCA Annual Conference