Academic Leadership Program – Rutgers Health
Since 2018, the Academic Leadership Program at Rutgers Health (ALP-RH) has provided a venue for faculty administrators and staff to strengthen their leadership, management, and organizational skills, with a focus on current challenges and opportunities in biomedical and health sciences at the national, state, and institutional levels. Beginning in 2025-2026, the program expanded to include two distinct tracks: Aspiring Leaders, designed for mid-career faculty and staff, and Established Leaders, tailored for faculty administrators and senior staff.
These two tracks will offer a combination of concepts, tools, and practical approaches designed to enhance both individual and collective leadership capacity across Rutgers Health. The program will include select joint sessions bringing both cohorts together, track-specific sessions tailored to each group’s needs, and a shared offsite experience. There will be select joint sessions attended by both cohorts, select track-specific sessions, and an overlapping offsite experience. Over the course of the year-long program, participants will explore common leadership challenges, exchange strategies for overcoming obstacles, and identify opportunities for growth and innovation. Detailed descriptions of each track are provided below.
The redesigned program includes a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, along with an interactive two-day offsite program retreat to be held in November 2026, which will give participants the opportunity to meet and interact with Rutgers Health senior leadership and members of the both tracks within the ALP-RH program.
ALP-RH Leaders Tracks
The Aspiring Leaders Track
The Aspiring Leaders Track of the Academic Leadership Program at Rutgers Health (ALP-RH) is designed to support the development of emerging leaders by strengthening the leadership, management, and organizational skills needed to succeed in academic health care environments. Through a combination of interactive workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities, participants gain practical tools and insights to enhance their leadership effectiveness, navigate organizational challenges, and contribute to the advancement of Rutgers Health and the broader academic health care community.
The Established Leaders Track
The Established Leaders Track of the Academic Leadership Program at Rutgers Health (ALP-RH) is designed to strengthen the leadership, management, and organizational skills of leaders across Rutgers Health. Through a combination of interactive sessions, collaborative learning, and strategic discussions, the year-long program provides participants with practical tools to address complex organizational challenges, lead effectively through change, and advance the mission of Rutgers Health. The program also fosters meaningful connections across schools and departments, creating a network of leaders committed to innovation, collaboration, and institutional excellence.
Program Goals
Understanding the Leadership Landscape
Increase understanding of current biomedical and health sciences leadership challenges at the national and state level, and within Rutgers and RH, through presentations and discussions with higher education and academic health experts.
Developing a Personal Leadership Philosophy
Reflect on and articulate one’s philosophy for engaging in academic leadership.
Leveraging Strengths for Effective Leadership
Strengthen the ability to assess and leverage individual personal and professional strengths, and the strengths of those they lead, through the use of various assessment tools and engagement strategies
2026-2027 Program Schedule & Format
2026-2027 ALP-RH Aspiring Leaders Track
Session details, including meeting locations and virtual links, are available in Canvas and are included in your Outlook calendar invitations.
2026-2027 ALP-RH Established Leaders Track
Session details, including meeting locations and virtual links, are available in Canvas and are included in your Outlook calendar invitations.
Meet our Team
Melani Camacho
Alexis Fulks
Meredith Mullane
Kyle D. Warren
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Participants Say
It was an honor to participate in the RBHS Academic Leadership Program. Much of what we learned both clarified and solidified processes that were part of operations in our areas but at the same time put a new perspective on the how and why of those operations. Little did we know when we started the ALP how much of what we learned we would have the opportunity to put into actionable plans as our administrative roles rapidly shifted to meet the demands of our new COVID environment. The connections and contacts made during the program were invaluable and I know will continue to help grow not just my department but will provide a solid matrix to continue to move RBHS and Rutgers forward in our collective pursuit of excellence.
Nancy Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA
Vice Chair Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences
Professor and Program Director, DPT Programs
School of Health Professions
2019-2020 Cohort
I have always been interested in learning about leadership and how others approach different challenges from the leadership perspective. When the Dean of my school mentioned this opportunity, immediately, I jumped in. The ALP-RBHS provided me the opportunity not only to learn from other leaders at RBHS but also to develop meaningful collaborations. The program impact of the program is that it helped me to “see” beyond my school. In our day-to-day work, we are so concentrated on finding solutions while missing an entire and diverse resourceful community that is RBHS. Currently, I can say that I have been collaborating with many of my cohort mates on various projects. I learned ways to understand the institution from the leadership perspective and the participants. Most importantly, through my group project, I realized that there are others with the same concerns and vision that are ready to make a difference. I would definitely recommend the ALP-RBHS program and I will encourage others interested in making a difference at RBHS to explore their leadership potential. My advice to those interested in participating would be to come with an open mind to learn and to contribute. You’ll be surprised at how many colleagues are out there that are willing to collaborate with you.
Herminio Perez, DMD MBA
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion
School of Dental Medicine
2019-2020 Cohort
Digital Recognition
Earn a digital badge through Accredible upon successful program completion.
Flexible Learning
Engage in a hybrid experience with virtual and in-person sessions.
Leadership Since 2018
Empowering faculty and staff leaders through professional development and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Aspiring Leaders track and the Established Leaders Track of the Academic Leadership Program at Rutgers Health (ALP-RH)?
The Aspiring Leaders Track is designed for mid-career faculty and staff who have shown leadership potential or initiative in their current roles—even in informal capacities such as leading projects, mentoring colleagues, or chairing committees—or who are newly stepping into managerial or leadership positions. Ideal nominees will demonstrate a strong desire to learn, grow, and further develop their leadership capabilities. While prior leadership experience at Rutgers is not required, participants should generally have a minimum of seven years of professional experience.
The Established Leaders Track is designed for individuals in faculty administrator or senior staff roles who currently hold leadership positions within Rutgers Health. This track is well-suited for both seasoned leaders and those who are newer to their roles or to the institution. Nominees should be motivated to deepen their leadership competencies and expand their impact at the unit, department, school, and Rutgers Health levels.
If you are unsure of which track you’d be eligible for, please feel free to email us at alp-rh@rbhs.rutgers.edu
Who is eligible to be nominated?
Full-time Rutgers Health faculty and staff who meet the track criteria are eligible to be nominated.
What are the criteria used when considering candidates?
Generally, we are seeking:
- Individuals who are committed to preparing for and attending all required sessions, including the two-day offsite.
- Individuals who are motivated to strengthen their leadership competencies and to make a positive impact on one’s unit, department, school, and RH more broadly.
- Individuals who are enthusiastic about the concept and purposes of the ALP-RH and willing to provide feedback to help refine the program.
How many fellows will be selected for ALP-RH?
Approximately 20-25 individuals will be selected for participation in each track per year.
Can applicants from previous years be nominated/apply again?
Yes. Prospective ALP-RH fellows can be nominated more than once. If eligible, applicants will be invited to submit updated application materials.
When do the sessions meet?
The program includes 10-12 sessions (some held in-person at Newark and New Brunswick/Piscataway, some held virtually) along with an interactive two-day offsite program retreat, which will give participants the opportunity to meet and interact with Rutgers Health senior leadership and members of the ALP-RH cohort.
What happens if you can’t attend all sessions?
Fellows are expected to attend all in-person sessions. However, we recognize there may be circumstances that may affect a Fellow’s ability to attend all sessions. Fellows should not miss more than one or two sessions during the year-long program, and attendance at the offsite is mandatory.
When will nominations be accepted for the next cohort of the ALP-RBHS?
Generally, the call is made in April/May for the cohort to begin in September.
Leadership Program Gallery
Contact us
For more information about the program please e-mail
alp-rh@rbhs.rutgers.edu