Frequently Asked Questions

What are the objectives of the Missouri Leadership Academy?

The Missouri Leadership Academy objectives are: 

For Participants:

  • Accelerate professional growth through individual leadership development, building new skills to lead others, and learning how to drive change.

For Their Departments:

  • Prepare emerging leaders to take on new responsibilities and roles.

For the State of Missouri:

  • Build a cohort of emerging leaders equipped with the skills and understanding necessary to improve government performance.
How many participants per cohort?

Thirty-six participants per cohort. Two Cohorts per year. Each Missouri Leadership Academy class includes one to three representatives from each Executive Department, as well as participants from elected offices.  

How does the nomination/selection process work?

Potential nominees submit a resume and a brief memorandum explaining why they are strong candidates for the program to their respective divisional leadership team. Department leaders nominate slates of candidates, and the Governor’s Office officially announces class participants. 

What are the selection criteria?

Selection Criteria Include: 

  • Emerging leaders in their agencies—through formal roles and/or informal influence—who have the potential to grow and develop further
  • High-impact team players
  • Comfortable with change and ambiguity
  • Able to represent the best of their department and leverage its resources
What are the expectations of statewide leaders?

Statewide leaders are expected to support, encourage, and engage in dialogue about participants’ learning and growth. 

  • Key attendance expectations throughout the program include:
  • Government 101 session: Speak about departmental or office roles and responsibilities or share leadership experiences.
  • Executive Summary Capstone Presentations
  • Graduation Ceremony
  • Optional attendance at full Capstone Presentations
  • Give thorough consideration to the implementation of capstone recommendations
What is the purpose of MLA Capstone Projects?

Capstone Projects serve as the culminating experience of the Missouri Leadership Academy, allowing participants to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the program. These projects foster cross-departmental collaboration and bridge theory with research and innovative thinking. Participants work in teams to tackle complex, real-world challenges and deliver recommendations for improvement. Through this process, they integrate coursework, enhance critical thinking, and generate new ideas that may be considered for implementation by statewide leaders. 

How can I learn more about the Framework?