TCE staff members Jessica Jeffers and Andrew Gallaher earlier this year completed training in UConnecT, a yearlong, inclusive leadership and professional development program presented at UT. The course promotes growth for highly motivated, non-exempt staff with a minimum of three years of continuous university service.

UConnecT gave them the opportunity to hear leaders from across campus share experiences in leadership.

“From their presentations, I have learned more about various leadership styles, campus connections, and mentoring abilities,” said Jeffers, program coordinator for the Cook Grand Challenge Honors Program.

Both also enjoyed hearing valuable insights from other members of the cohort on their various unique operating styles.

“UConnecT was a great opportunity to learn new skills from some of the university’s leadership and collaborate with colleagues from across the university,” said Gallaher, senior web designer for the college.

“Their varied perspectives have allowed me to assess my own leadership qualities and think about ways I would like to incorporate them into my career,” added Jeffers.

They look forward to bringing UConnecT lessons into play in their TCE roles.

“I hope to use what I learned about my own leadership style to benefit my unit and the students we serve,” said Jeffers. “I believe the experiences will assist me in my future endeavors and positively impact my work with the college.”

UConnecT topics included a Meyers-Briggs assessment, building a multicultural organization, understanding the structure and function of the university, developing leadership philosophy, managing your career, and work/life integration. Participants looked at ways to put these concepts into action in their current roles.

“A lot of the program was about how to show leadership through your actions and let that resonate to your colleagues,” said Gallaher. “I will definitely try to keep that in mind and make sure that I display the work ethic and actions that I think best reflect the Volunteer spirit.”

Learn more about UConnecT and how to take part in the next cohort.