What is the Aggie Leadership Training Academy?

New Mexico State University Aggie Leadership Training Academy (ALTA) is a leadership certification program that provides high-performing and/or high-potential employees (administrators, faculty, and staff) with an opportunity to develop leadership competencies (knowledge, skills, and ability) in preparation for possible career advancement.  This program is in response to a succession planning initiative supported by the Board of Regents through ARP 6.03.

Because an individual’s capacity for leadership is not defined by their job title, ALTA is open to all NMSU administrators, faculty, and staff. The program is managed by the Center for Learning & Professional Development (CLPD). Those selected for the program will develop their leadership competencies to effectively interact with members of our university community and contribute to a respectful, positive, working and learning environment.

Here are just a few things that past ALTA graduates had to say about the program:

• “This should be a requirement.”
• “This was a remarkable program and the value added to NMSU is significant. The content was well organized, clearly thought out, and executed with mastery in mind.”
• “Great insights and reflections.”
• Speakers were described as:
• • Knowledgeable
  • Personable
  • Engaging
  • Fun
• “Learning from one another was one of the best parts of the program.”
• “[The] program opened my eyes to a whole new level of leadership…within the university setting. The relationships built with my cohort and trainers will have positive, long-lasting effects on my career.”

ALTA Program Outcomes

The Aggie Leadership Training Academy utilizes a blend of presentations by renowned experts, interaction with university executive and faculty leadership, selected readings and reflection, and interaction with cohort members to provide a well-rounded learning and development experience. Participants in the program will…

• Develop leadership competencies
• Acquire tools to help build inclusive working, teaching, living, or learning environments
• Improve interaction and communication skills
• Discover positive approaches to resolving conflict
• Build an environment that promotes collaboration
• Develop confidence in personal leadership abilities

ALTA Program Competencies

Thirteen (13) select leadership competencies form the basis of the NMSU Aggie Leadership Training Academy. These competencies are hinged upon NMSU LEADS Core Values.

ALTA Program Sessions

The Aggie Leadership Training Academy is conducted over a 10-month period. Participants will meet once a month on a Friday. This year's program dates are:  

March 8, April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, and November 29 (graduation ceremony).

Who will be considered for the Aggie Leadership Training Academy?

To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Recognized and recommended by a current leader as a high potential and/or high performing employee
• One (1) year or more regular employment at NMSU (preferred but not required)
• Be a representative of your unit, department, or division. This means that selection will be based on the number of applicants and the goal is to have diverse people from different parts of the NMSU community attending.

ALTA Participant Expectations

The ALTA program consists of multiple training sessions and a graduation. Successful completion of the Aggie Leadership Training Academy program will be recognized with a Certificate of Completion. Selected participants will be expected to…

• Attend at least 8 out of 10 sessions
• Be an active participant and collaborate with cohort members
• Complete readings, assignments, and assessments
• Work with your supervisor to designate duties while attending the Friday session to minimize interruptions and distractions. 

NMSU is dedicated to providing equal opportunities in areas of employment and academics without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, serious medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation or protected veteran status as outlined in federal and state anti-discrimination statutes. As a federal contractor, NMSU’s affirmative action program also supports this effort.supports this effort.