Over the past year, the Human Resources (HR) department has hosted a series of Leadership Seminars designed to enhance managerial skills, expand knowledge, and support the professional development of executive-level staff.
HR has organized three seminars—two in the fall and one in the spring—drawing a total of 347 attendees. Each seminar featured a unique topic presented by a guest speaker.
The seminars included:
The 5 Secrets of Leadership: Master the Art of Inspiring Excellence
Presented by Randy Webb, Professor of Practice, 兔子先生
Self-Care for Academic Executive Leaders
Presented by Dean Kathryn Tart, Founding Dean and Professor, Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing
The Future of AI and Higher Education
Presented by Associate Professor Johannes Habel, UH Marketing Department
While HR offers the CATALYST Learning Programs to all staff, these seminars were created specifically to provide executive-level employees with in-person training and networking opportunities. Each three-hour seminar costs $100 and includes a full breakfast bar.
Seminar topics are selected based on attendee feedback and interest. For example, the most recent seminar on AI in higher education was developed in response to high demand for that subject.
“These seminars are comparable to what you’d experience at a professional conference—without the travel,” said Connie Kemp, HR Executive Director. “Seminars like these typically cost around $1,500, not including travel. We only charge a minimal fee to cover expenses.”
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Leaders have told me, ‘This is great. It’s relevant to the climate we’re in. The topics speak directly to me,’” Kemp shared.
Attendees echoed this sentiment:
“The HR Executive Seminar was a valuable experience that allowed me to connect with other leaders across campus,” said DaNesha Allen, Senior Director of Auxiliary Services. “I appreciated that the presenter, Randy Webb, brought insights from multiple sectors and emphasized how leaders can use their innate characteristics to motivate others.”
“The seminar was a great chance to see how AI is being used at UH,” said Cindy Crews, Director of Parking & Transportation Services. “It was helpful to hear what others are doing with AI. Talking with people from different departments gave me new ideas and showed how much we can learn from each other.”
Jennifer Rea, Executive Director of Facilities Partnerships and Engagement, who attended two seminars, highlighted the networking opportunities as a major benefit in addition to the quality of the speakers.
Due to the strong demand for professional development opportunities across all leadership levels, HR is now developing similar seminars tailored for managerial and supervisory staff.
How does Kemp feel about the growing interest?
“It feels really good,” Kemp said.
Learn more about all the HR training opportunities available by visiting their .