From Gator Graduate to Faculty Senate Chair: How the ALAP Program Shaped a UF Leader’s Journey

With a deep-rooted connection to the institution as a double Gator, Associate Professor Sarah Lynne, Ph.D., reflects on her career progression, leadership experiences and the pivotal role the Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals, or ALAP, program played in shaping her approach to managing and leading teams.

Tell us about your professional journey and how you came to be in your current position at the University of Florida.

I’m a double gator, having earned my master’s and doctorate at UF. It was during my graduate training that I first developed a connection to this institution. I left for other training and professional opportunities, but the drawback to this university, nestled in the swamp, was undeniable, and I was thrilled to come back as a faculty member. I had the honor of being elected to represent my college as a senator in the UF Faculty Senate in 2018. I still remember my first faculty senate meeting. One of the items up for discussion was related to faculty teaching evaluations.

After the meeting, I approached the faculty senate leaders to discuss some of my thoughts, and they encouraged me to run for the Welfare Council of the faculty senate, which at the time, was the council working on this issue. I was encouraged that I might be able to make a positive impact, so I ran and was elected as a member of the Welfare Council. Shortly thereafter, I was elected chair of the Welfare Council and served in this leadership role through the COVID-19 pandemic. Each new role I took on provided me with opportunities to grow as a leader and set the stage for the next role. In 2023, I ran for chair of the UF Faculty Senate and was elected. I’m currently serving my year as chair and as the faculty representative on the UF Board of Trustees.

What motivated you to participate in the ALAP program?

The role of UF Faculty Senate chair requires strong leadership abilities given that the chair represents the UF faculty on any matter within the UF Faculty Senate’s jurisdiction or as requested by the Board of Trustees or President. The chair works in partnership with the UF President, the Provost, and the UF Vice Presidents and meets regularly with representatives from all 16 colleges, UF faculty, staff and students. I was thrilled for the opportunity to participate in ALAP during my year as chair-elect to help prepare me for the year ahead.

What impact has the ALAP program had on you professionally and, if applicable, personally?

ALAP is hands down the best professional development training experience in which I’ve had the privilege of participating. I became more self-aware through the leadership 360 evaluation and the other assessments that helped bring to the surface areas in which I am strong and my leadership style. There were a lot of opportunities to apply concepts from the trainings to real-life leadership challenges and get feedback from my cohort of colleagues. This made the experience relevant and easier to translate back into my work life. I’m still in touch with my accountability partner and others from my cohort. I also loved that our training cohort included both faculty and UF professional staff. Networking with other UF rising leaders has been a huge asset, and on a personal note, I really value the new connections I made. I feel lucky to continue to benefit from their wisdom and our collective efforts around leading at UF.

Are there specific resources or connections you made during the program that you found most valuable and why?

As Faculty Senate Chair, I found the opportunity to connect with leaders across the university extremely valuable. There were members of my cohort from IFAS, the health sciences, Information Technology, Liberal Arts and Sciences and more. There have also been a number of occasions where I have referred back to my training materials when brainstorming next best steps as I’ve navigated challenges. The elevator speech training and experience was exceptionally helpful because I had practiced that type of speech for my research in the past but had never applied the strategy to my leadership. I do think it improved my ability to communicate and connect with a variety of audiences.

How have you applied what you learned in this program in your role as a leader?

This experience helped me feel more confident in my leadership style. The increased confidence definitely helped me step more solidly into my leadership role. I learned strategies to help me work through difficult challenges. I also became better at identifying the professional styles and strengths of those around me which has been invaluable.

What would you tell a colleague who is considering applying to this program?

The ALAP program is a phenomenal professional development opportunity. You will have fun. You will learn a lot about yourself and grow as a leader. You will get to have great food and meet some of the best people to work with at UF. Don’t hesitate, just apply.

Applications for the Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals program are being accepted now through May 2. Visit the ALAP website to learn more and apply.