ALUMNI APPLIED LEADERSHIP LEARNING: The Influence of an Undergraduate Academic Leadership Program

Few studies explore post-collegiate leadership applications of alumni who complete curricular leadership programs, like minors or certificates. How can we, as a field, say our leadership programs and courses integrate beyond the boundaries of campus or undergraduate life without an understanding of post-collegiate leadership applications? This study explored the leadership learning of alumni of an undergraduate academic leadership certificate in the southeast United States. The researchers employed a qualitative, single, embedded case study design and data collection for this study. The study primarily relied on in-depth interviews, utilizing an interview guide approach (Johnson & Christensen, 2014). The interview guide’s purpose was to focus interviews on topics related to students’ learning and current applications of program learning outcomes. This study’s findings highlighted the practice of reflection for alumni, appreciation for collaboration and building relationships, and how alumni could connect and apply their past leadership coursework to their current professional or personal leadership experiences. The researchers were interested in exploring how leadership learning in higher education contributed to students’ success in their careers, personal life, and community.