What is the Aggie Leadership Training Academy?

The Aggie Leadership Training Academy (ALTA) is an annual leadership development program for NMSU employees with outstanding leadership potential. The goal of the program is to prepare aspiring leaders for career advancement opportunities within the NMSU system – in accordance with NMSU’s succession planning initiative – as well as to contribute to a productive and professional work environment for all NMSU employees. Although participation does not guarantee promotion or selection for vacant leadership positions, the program facilitates the development of research-supported competencies that directly contribute to effective leadership of self and others. Because leadership potential is not determined by title or position, ALTA is open to all NMSU employees invested in maximizing their potential.

Those admitted to the program commit to a yearlong journey of professional development, consisting of monthly full-day learning sessions and independent activities in between. The Center for Learning and Professional Development – as an extension of Human Resource Services – administers the ALTA program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Each year, the ALTA program delivers a robust curriculum based on research-supported leadership frameworks, as well as topics and themes that are most relevant to the needs of our NMSU employees. By participating and completing all of the 2026 ALTA program requirements, participants will…

• Identify and assess their application of The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® based on the research and model defined by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner:
  • Model the Way
  • Inspire a Shared Vision
  • Challenge the Process
  • Enable Others to Act
  • Encourage the Heart
• Develop competencies to support the application of The Five Practices® by progressing through fundamental topics and themes presented in the curriculum, including – but not limited to – the following:
  • Exploring personal and professional values
  • Acknowledging and working across differences
  • Developing and practicing emotional intelligence
  • Overcoming communication pitfalls and challenges
  • Establishing effective performance standards and coaching opportunities
  • Fostering cultures of appreciation in the workplace
• Enhance individual leadership potential within current and future roles at NMSU
• Develop professional relationships and collaboration opportunities by networking with colleagues and NMSU leaders