Bay College is excited to announce the return of its Leadership Academy, a professional development program designed to cultivate confident, connected leaders while strengthening Dickinson County's workforce through meaningful cross-industry collaboration.
Now entering its ninth year, the Leadership Academy brings together emerging leaders from a wide range of industries—including healthcare, education, manufacturing, nonprofit, government, banking, retail, and small business—to learn alongside one another. The program kicks off on Thursday, September 10, 2026, and features eight monthly in-person sessions running through April.
What sets the Leadership Academy apart is the opportunity to build relationships beyond one's own workplace or industry. Participants engage in thoughtful discussions with professionals from diverse backgrounds, gaining fresh perspectives, exchanging ideas, and developing a network of peers that often extends well beyond the program itself.
"One of the greatest strengths of the Leadership Academy is the diverse group of professionals who come together each year," said Cindy Gallagher, Vice President of Workforce Innovation & Strategic Partnerships. "Participants don't just learn leadership concepts, they learn from each other's experiences, build lasting relationships, and return to their organizations with broader perspectives that benefit our entire community."
Led by experienced local professionals and subject matter experts, the Academy explores essential leadership topics including emotional intelligence, communication, time management, conflict resolution, team dynamics, fostering inclusive workplaces, and public speaking. Each session combines practical leadership strategies with interactive discussion and real-world application.
The $1,400 registration fee includes all eight sessions, catered lunches, refreshments, a professional headshot, a comprehensive DiSC personality assessment, leadership books and materials, and a tour of the historic Cornish Pump Museum as part of a community history experience.
The Leadership Academy reflects Bay College's ongoing commitment to developing local talent, investing in workforce excellence, and creating stronger connections among the region's leaders.
The 2026 - 2027 Leadership Academy begins September 10, 2026.
Space is limited. Registration closes Friday, August 28, 2026. To learn more or register, visit baycollege.edu/leadershipacademy
About Bay College
Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success, and Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing career certificates, associate degrees, transferable university credits, industry certifications, trainings, and professional development programs which develop skillsets, enrich individuals, and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay