As emerging or established leaders, it is critical for us to reflect on our personal growth and leadership journey. Indeed, perhaps one of the best gifts we can give ourselves—and the organizations we serve—is a commitment to refining and expanding our leadership skills. For those in online learning and higher education, the Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL) provides a transformative experience that helps leaders do just that.

Having participated in the program in 2024, I can confidently say that IELOL is more than just a leadership training—it is a dynamic, immersive experience that fosters deep professional and personal growth. Unlike many leadership programs that rely solely on asynchronous content delivery, IELOL seamlessly blends online engagement with a robust in-person residency. The face-to-face interactions are invaluable, allowing participants to forge meaningful connections with colleagues from across the country.

A key component of the program is the opportunity to engage with a core group of tablemates. These are individuals you meet during the online immersion portion, so by the time you arrive in person, there is already a foundation of familiarity and trust. As you navigate the residency, these colleagues become sounding boards, collaborators, and friends. Discussions around shared challenges, innovative solutions, and best practices happen organically—not just in structured sessions but also in informal settings. Some of the most insightful conversations I had were during walks to the event venue or over evening dinners. While it may be tempting to retreat to a hotel room after a long day, those networking moments are where the magic happens.

The program’s comprehensive agenda ensures that every attendee gains valuable insights, whether they are an aspiring leader or a seasoned administrator. Sessions cover topics such as leading innovation, communicating a personal brand, and utilizing data for strategic decision-making. Some topics reinforced what I was already doing, which was reassuring, while others pushed me to a new level of understanding and practice. That’s what makes IELOL special—it challenges participants to step outside their comfort zones, something we in education know is essential for growth. If you’re looking for a passive sit-and-get experience, this is not the program for you!

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects was the opportunity to develop a project relevant to my work. I focused on creating a new service model for the instructional design and media units I oversaw—one that shifted from an all-or-nothing approach to a more flexible, contract-based model. With feedback and encouragement from fellow attendees, faculty instructors, and guest speakers, I refined my idea, and since implementing it, the model has successfully generated new revenue streams while better meeting the needs of our campus partners.

This year, I am thrilled to return to IELOL as a faculty member for the 2025 program, hosted at UW-Madison. I look forward to welcoming new participants to Wisconsin, where they will engage in an enriching leadership experience, build lasting connections, and, of course, enjoy some of the best cheese and a classic Wisconsin old-fashioned! If you’re considering IELOL, I can assure you—it’s a professional journey well worth taking.