2026 Summer Leadership Academies
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
— John F. Kennedy
This summer’s ALWD leadership academy is designed to provide participants with a forum for both guidance and support as we navigate rapid change, complex institutional dynamics, and the evolving needs of today’s students. Each session will combine a brief presentation by experienced speakers with directed small‑group discussion and guided debriefs, creating space for both practical guidance and shared reflection among participants. We hope to provide concrete and practical take-aways for each participant after each session.
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- Who should enroll? The Leadership Academy is open to all, especially those seeking to know more about leading and communicating better with those we lead. Those who participate in all three leadership academies will receive a certificate of completion at the final academy this summer!
- There is no cost to participate, but we do ask that you register first. You can register on the 2026 leadership academy webpage. If you have any questions, please contact either of the co-chairs, Brenda Gibson (gibsonb@wfu.edu) or Kim Peterson (kmpeterson@wisc.edu).
Register Now
Academies
Leadership in the Age of AI
Location: Zoom
May 7, 2026 - 3:00-4:30PM EDT
The first session will be led by Betsy Barre and Kirsten Davis and will focus on leading academic programs in the age of artificial intelligence, examining how law schools are responding to AI in the 1L curriculum, including its implications for critical thinking, pedagogy, and legal writing instruction, alongside emerging policies and program‑level practices.
Download Video
Leadership Styles
Location: Zoom
June 17, 2026 - 12:00-1:30 PM EDT
The second session, led by Melissa Weresh, turns to leadership skills essential within academic institutions, with emphasis on building coalitions and adapting leadership style to different people, contexts, and challenges. Participants will complete a leadership inventory prior to the session. During the session the participants will work in groups and together to recognize different leadership styles in real time and work more effectively across them.
Zoom Access Here
Leading Today's Students
Location: Legal Writing Institute's Conference - check conferece schedule for exact location
July, 17, 2026 - 10:30 -11:15 am.
The series concludes with an in‑person session led by Profs. Anne Sinsheimer and Andrele St. Val in person at the LWI Conference. This session will address today’s students, focusing on teaching resiliency, character, and supporting student development in the 21st Century. Professors Sinsheimer and St. Val will discuss the program they created called LIFT "Legal Initiative for Fortitude & Transformation." Information about the LIFT program can be accessed here.
ALWD Leadership & Development Committee Members
- Brenda Bauges, bbauges@uidaho.edu
- Brenda Gibson, gibsonb@wfu.edu
- Jessica Haught, jessica.haught@mail.wvu.edu
- Allison Mittendorf, a-mittendorf@onu.edu
- Kim Peterson, kmpeterson@wisc.edu
- Colleen Settineri, settineri.4@osu.edu
- Wendy Tenzer, WTenzer@avemarialaw.edu
