Leadership in Education Administration & Development (LEAD)
Master of Arts with Stackable Certificates (online)
Leadership in Education Administration & Development (LEAD) at Adams State University
Leadership in Education Administration & Development (LEAD) at Adams State University historically known as the Higher Education Administration & Leadership (HEAL) program is a newly transformed and innovative program that focuses on K-20 educational leadership.
The LEAD online program prepares education professionals to manage and lead in both K-12 and postsecondary, focusing on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and to enhance the success of the students they serve.
The postsecondary cognate (HEAL) has been recognized by Excelencia in Education as making a positive difference in the educational achievement of Latino students in higher education.
Our Mission
Adams State University’s Leadership in Education Administration & Development (LEAD) program prepares educational leaders across the P-20 pipeline to manage and lead in educational organizations in order to enhance the success of the students they serve.
Our mission works with the mission and goals of Adams State University and the OGS. The master’s in LEAD program will provide high quality courses that are rigorous, transferable at the graduate level and reasonably priced.
Learn More About LEAD
LEAD Program Admissions Requirements Schedule a MeetingContact Us!
Melissa Freeman, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Curtis Garcia, Ph.D.
School of Education Director
lead@adams.edu
719-587-7934
Adams State University
LEAD Program | Suite 3160
208 Edgemont Blvd
Alamosa, CO 81101
Member of WICHE/WGRP and was originally funded by a FIPSE grant.
Supported by Title V PPOHA-EA Grant
LEAD Highlights
- Focus on cultural diversity, cultural needs and learning style differences, especially among individuals affiliated with Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
- Learn from outstanding national level faculty committed to your learning success.
- Join learners from diverse backgrounds with professional education experience.
- Experience the best of convenient on-line study and cohort collaboration.
- Expand your personal communication skills and develop practical, useful leadership skills.
- Attend an affordable, fully-accredited university.
- Gain comprehensive knowledge about higher education as an enterprise beyond your work experience.
- Excelencia in Education
- National leader in online learning since 1989.
LEAD Outcomes
An Adams State University MA-LEAD Graduate will be able to:
- Recognize and apply leadership principles in the context of mission and vision while effectively managing the human, physical, and financial resources through the use of quantitative and qualitative data for continuous improvement
- Demonstrate professionalism through effective communication and organizational leadership.
- Apply and evaluate evolving professional standards, applicable public policies, law, and academic research to enhance leadership skills, and serve as mentors to colleagues.
- Demonstrate the core dispositions of effective educators and leaders including, but not limited to empathy, professional competence, and the ability to work with diverse individuals.
LEAD Curriculum
Explore Some of Our Courses & Curriculum at a Glance
LEAD 533: Historical/Contemporary Issues (3 hours)
This course provides students with an overview of the evolution of American higher education as we know it today. The first half of the course is an examination of the history of American higher education, beginning with colonial times and tracing its development to the present. The second half of the course examines current topics in higher education, focusing on perennial issues and why they continue to perplex higher education officials.
LEAD 520: Leadership in MSIs (3 hours)
This course examines the various leadership theories that inform the practice of administration in colleges and universities and the higher education industry in general. Through assignments, special attention will be geared toward applying these theories to leadership within the context of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).
LEAD 500: Leadership Theory (3 hours)
This course provides a study/review of leadership theories and leadership development concepts. Students will gain an understanding of leadership, leadership theories, and leadership development.
LEAD Testimonials
My decision to enroll in the Adams State University Higher Education Administration & Leadership Program (HEAL) was one of the best decisions I have made for both my academic and professional career. This program gave me the opportunity to complete my graduate studies online while I continued to work full time and gain valuable experience. I was able to apply what I learned in class to my position and able to gain a better understanding of the higher education climate around me and how I can make an impact. I was also drawn to the program because of its focus on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). While in the program I was able to enhance my understanding of the field and accepted a new position at an HSI. Since obtaining my degree I am much more qualified for management positions and have more opportunities ahead. I would recommend this program to any aspiring higher education professional.
Andrew P. Garcia, M.A., Welcome Center Manager, Community College of Denver
I participated in Executive Leadership Institute option of the Higher Education Administrative Leadership program in 2011; I was a member of the first program cohort, Cohort A. I chose to apply for the program because my MA degree in Educational Leadership was focused on K-12 education, and I wanted to be able to merge that background with the work I do now at Adams State University. It was a great decision on my part! When I started the program, I was serving as a course reviewer for Extended Studies at Adams State. Since then I have been made supervisor of two positions, one classified and one exempt. In addition I have been given the charge of restructuring and directing the Quality Assurance unit, and I have acquired the new title of Director of Academic Quality Assurance for Extended Studies. One of the strengths of the HEAL program is its flexibility; each student has the opportunity to create an individualized learning plan that directly supports the work they do in higher education. This in itself makes the program meaningful for anyone who enrolls. I believe my participation in HEAL has allowed me to be more assertive and feel confident in taking on new leadership roles in my department.
Beth Apodaca Ruybal
I’ve been promoted to Division Chair of Arts & Humanities for the Valley Campus AND elected Faculty Senate President for all of TSJC. I would like to think that my HEAL experience prepared and positioned me for these career advances. Thank you, Melissa!
Brian Reeves
I owe the HEAL program, faculty, and staff so much for providing me with the fundamentals and so much more regarding higher education administration. I have actually gained a passion for budgeting & financial management, something that I never thought I could love. My new position here at CSU will allow me the opportunity to practice that passion and continue doing what I love, and that is working with and assisting my students in their efforts toward achieving a higher education!
Amanda Atencio, HEAL 2013 Graduate, Director of Upward Bound CSU-Pueblo