Where Leaders Are Made: Monroe's Graduate Students Shine in the Leslie Robbins Jerome Advanced Leadership Academy

At Monroe University, shaping future leaders is at the core of our graduate business program. 

One of the standout ways we do this is through the Leslie Robbins Jerome Advanced Leadership Academy (ALA) -- a hands-on program that equips students with the skills to lead confidently and effectively in today’s fast-paced world.

The program is named in honor of Leslie Robbins Jerome, the dynamic leader of our Alumni Relations team and a member of the family that has long guided Monroe University. Her vision for leadership, dedication to excellence, and commitment to the community serve as a model for the next generation of leaders.

Now in its second year, the ALA has become a cornerstone of Monroe's graduate business curriculum. It offers a unique opportunity for select graduate students from the School of Business and Accounting to develop their leadership abilities through professional growth experiences. To be selected, students must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and active engagement on campus and in the community. Each fall, a group of outstanding students is chosen to participate during the winter semester, alongside peers from the University of Toledo.

This year, four exceptional students -- Anna Pinder, Mitchell Riser, Marvin Rosado, and Tammoiya Miller Akanmode -- were selected for the program. These students were chosen for their demonstrated leadership skills and their potential to benefit from this transformative experience.

The  Leslie Robbins Jerome Advanced Leadership Academy program offers a mix of dynamic sessions, including workshops, self-assessments, and networking with influential guest speakers. Students also take part in a global community service project, and the program concludes with an elegant etiquette dinner at the Toledo Museum of Art. Those who complete the program earn the prestigious ALA Certificate of Advanced Leadership Development and an Academy Medallion, symbolizing their commitment to excellence.

The Academy's curriculum focuses on developing essential leadership skills such as ethical decision-making, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and career development. These tools help students stand out in their careers and prepare them to lead teams and drive positive change in their fields.

Through initiatives like the  Leslie Robbins Jerome Advanced Leadership Academy, Monroe’s graduate business education doesn’t just prepare students for today’s challenges. It empower them to lead tomorrow’s solutions.