We live in an increasingly hyper-competitive and interconnected global business environment, where the very nature of work and organizational life itself is rapidly shifting in response to technological disruptions and ever-changing socio-economic and geo-political realities. Successfully leading organizations of all types (non-profit, public sector, private sector, etc.) across all industries and sectors has never been a more important (and challenging) undertaking, requiring an interdisciplinary systems-thinking, strategic design thinking, and growth mindset.

We are experiencing a severe leadership talent deficit within a rapidly evolving world of work. One recent study suggests:

• Organizations are “… struggling to develop leadership talent with only half of leaders feeling suitably equipped to lead their [organization] to meet short-term future challenges.”
• “A third of HR heads said developing effective leaders was problematic and a huge proportion (81%) cited lack of readiness as the main reason why high-potential candidates were unable to fill leadership roles.”
• “Only 15% of executives rated their HR team as effective in developing future leaders.”

The UVU Organizational Leadership Department is home to several innovative programs (face-to-face, hybrid, and fully online) and a wide variety of courses that will help you to be a game-changing organizational leader, strategically prepared for the future of work:

Our Human Resource Management programs help students gain a competitive advantage in the job market through the practical acquisition of knowledge, skills, competencies, and professional connections in the HRM field. Through real-life experiential learning consulting projects in our courses and HR internships, you will learn to respond to complex organizational opportunities and challenges through developing capabilities in analytical thinking, problem-solving, ethical awareness, oral and written communications, and effective teamwork. You will also have the opportunity to distinguish yourself as an HR expert right out of the gate by earning your aPHR credential from HRCI and through building your expertise in HRIS and HR Analytics. You will leave the program ready to strategically champion the role of HRM in any organization and be an immediate contributor!

Our Hospitality Management, Wasatch Resort Management, and Event Management programs are designed to provide a foundation of management skills and abilities that can be applied to a diverse range of careers in the hospitality and event planning industries (such as in hotels, resorts, restaurants, corporate events, event planning, country clubs, amusement parks, and cruise ships). The program offers you flexibility in course offerings, with a full range of in-class or online options, where you can specialize in event planning, operations, revenue management, culinary arts, and sales. We also offer individualized academic and career counseling, course tutoring, practical experience internships, and post-graduation job placement. Experiential learning, creativity, and innovation are important components of these programs; you will participate in courses and work experiences that will allow you a safe place to develop these attributes and competencies.

Our Interdisciplinary Leadership programs and courses in Leadership, Organizational Behavior, and Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics, will help students from a wide variety of majors to further develop the vital professional skills and competencies necessary to understanding and responding to the complexities, nuances, challenges, and opportunities facing organizations today and in the future. You will be equipped with the practical understanding and skills necessary to lead the socially minded, employee-centric, and innovative culture-driven organizations of tomorrow!

Finally, we are home to absolutely tremendous faculty, all of whom are experts in their respective fields. Every professor is completely committed to your continued intellectual and professional growth and development, and you will have many opportunities to receive direct coaching and mentoring as you work towards achieving your full potential!

Please explore the many face-to-face, hybrid, and online educational and career opportunities offered in the Organizational Leadership Department!

Sincerely,

Jonathan H. Westover, Ph.D

Chair, Organizational Leadership