President's Leadership Institute
Now Accepting ApplicationsJoin the 2025-26 Cohort
The President's Leadership Institute (PLI) is the internal tool the College uses to build the talent and drive already within its ranks into a pool of future leaders. The experiences of working and learning together in the institute build camaraderie and strengthen ties across departments, helping TSC to discover new opportunities and creative ways to serve students.
A national survey of community college leaders identified the top skills necessary for effective college leadership (see AACC Competencies for Community College Leaders). The President's Leadership Institute (PLI) prepares the College’s staff for leadership responsibilities by providing participants with those skills and the perspectives hiring committees seek in candidates for leadership positions.
The President’s Leadership Institute will select a new cohort each year, and each cohort will be limited to 12-15 applicants.
About the Program:
Those selected will be required to review materials and case studies before assigned sessions and be prepared to discuss their application to TSC. In addition, each class will feature an executive guest speaker from within the College, the community, or our higher education partners to discuss issues and situations facing the College or on the strategic horizon. Full-day sessions will meet on select Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The agenda includes up to two additional lunch meetings and the opportunity to take part in a Day at the Capitol and legislative sessions at the Capitol Building. In addition to the bi-monthly sessions, participants will complete an Individual Leadership Action Plan and work on a team project designed to provide practical and realistic solutions tied to the College’s Strategic Plan for the current year.
Sample topics include, but will not be limited to:
Higher Education Governance to include the State University System, the Florida State College System, and K-12
- An in-depth view of the organizational roles and responsibilities of various units of TSC
- Higher Education State Funding, Grant Programs, and the College’s Foundation
- Strategic Planning
- Management and Leadership Best Practices
- University Transfer Partnerships and Workforce Training/ Community Partnerships
- Career Advancement Mentoring
- Intrapreneurship and Innovation
- Advancing Equity through a Culture of CARE
- The Changing Landscape of Higher Education
- Leadership Principles and Best Practices
- The Future of Work and Learning
- Budget Simulation
President Murdaugh's Perspective On Leadership
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“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.” - Dr. Jim Murdaugh, President, Tallahassee State College |
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Eligibility
Selection to the Institute is by application only, and is open to all full-time TSC faculty and staff who excel in their day-to-day work as high performers at the College, in all ranks, levels, and departments.
Interested applicants must have worked at least ONE full year to meet eligibility requirements. Additional consideration will be given to those who demonstrate a firm commitment to leadership, involvement in TSC’s campus community, and willingness to learn, innovate and work in teams.
Our goal is to include a demographically diverse group of participants representing various campuses, multiple teaching disciplines, and staff from a wide range of programs, offices, and departments.
Selected participants are expected to attend all sessions and must obtain full permission from their supervisor to participate.
Past participants of Leadership TSC, the College’s former leadership program, are welcome to apply as the Institute is a new program of leadership focused on entrepreneurship and internal leadership development.
Application Process:
To apply directly, first confirm with your supervisor that you will be granted permission to participate on the scheduled dates and times (see Potential Sessions). Once confirmed, please complete the linked application form.
Selected candidates will be chosen from a wide array of roles throughout campus, including a diversified body of classified staff, faculty, departmental deans, directors, and administrative staff.
2025 - 2026 Sessions
- Friday, October 17, 2025 – Full Day - Center for Innovation
- Friday, November 7, 2025 – Full Day - Wakulla Environmental Institute
- Friday, January 16, 2026 – Full Day - Florida Public Safety Institute
- Friday, February 6, 2026 – Full Day - Ghazvini Center
- Friday, March 6, 2026 – Full Day – Day at the Capitol, Center for Innovation
- Friday, April 10, 2026 – Luncheon - Governor’s Club
- Friday, May 1, 2026 – Full Day – End-of-Year Retreat and Graduation, Main Campus
Important Dates
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
Day at the Capitol: April 10, 2026
Retreat and Graduation Ceremony: May 1, 2026