Sue Shear Leadership Academy
The Sue Shear Leadership Academy (SSLA) is a leadership development program designed to inspire civic engagement and encourage women to step into public and community leadership roles with confidence and purpose.
Traditionally, SSLA was offered as an intensive seven-day experience, bringing together women who were interested in leading positive change in their communities. Since its founding, the Academy has remained committed to preparing women to lead with integrity, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility to the common good.
A Program Rooted in Partnership and Purpose
SSLA was originally sponsored in 1998 by the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life. In 2019, the program transitioned to the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Education, ensuring the continuation and growth of its mission.
From its early beginnings, SSLA was developed in partnership with the NEW Leadership™ National Network, a nonpartisan leadership program created by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. This national partnership connects SSLA to a broader movement focused on preparing the next generation of women for leadership in public life.
A New Model with the Center for Character and Citizenship
During the 2022–2023 academic year, SSLA was hosted by the Center for Character and Citizenship (CCC) within UMSL’s College of Education, with support from the Women’s Giving Circle and the John Templeton Foundation.
Under CCC’s leadership, the Academy was thoughtfully redesigned. Instead of a single intensive week, SSLA shifted to a series of monthly, one-day workshops held from November through April. This format allowed participants to engage more deeply with leadership content, build relationships over time, and better balance the Academy with their academic and personal schedules.
The 2024–2025 Sue Shear Leadership Academy continued this approach, tailoring both the content and structure of the program to reflect participants’ interests, goals, and availability. The Academy brings together women from a wide range of fields and sectors to explore leadership virtues, civic responsibility, and public engagement.
A Strong and Growing Community
To date, more than 700 college women have graduated from the Sue Shear Leadership Academy and are making a difference as leaders in their communities and professions.
SSLA Fellows build lasting networks with one another and remain connected to Academy alumnae and women leaders who serve as mentors, guides, and role models. These relationships are a defining part of the SSLA experience and often continue well beyond the program itself.
Beginning with Gratitude
At SSLA, leadership begins with gratitude.
Each new cohort launches with a Thanksgiving-themed welcome gathering held in mid to late November. This first meeting introduces participants to the Academy and creates space for connection, reflection, and shared purpose.
During this gathering, participants:
- Learn what SSLA is all about
- Discuss which schedule options work best
- Share which topics and leadership skills they are most interested in exploring
Food and beverages are provided, along with supplies for a short art and craft activity, where participants create their own Gratitude Jar as a symbol of reflective and values-based leadership.
How to Apply
To participate in the Sue Shear Leadership Academy, please apply on the How to Apply page.
As part of the application, you will be able to indicate which day and time work best for your schedule for the monthly workshops.
If you miss the initial gratitude gathering, you are still encouraged to apply. Our team will reach out with details about upcoming meetings or the next cohort.
