Talent Development and Recruitment celebrates 25 years of the Advanced Leadership Program

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Media Contact:
Erin Weaver | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-7636 | [email protected]

Oklahoma State University Human Resources celebrated 25 years of its Advanced Leadership Program at a reception on Jan. 30.   

The ALP is an invite-only professional development opportunity offered to OSU employees
following their completion of the Leadership Development Program.  

The ALP requires eight learning courses annually and offers additional special opportunities,
which is unlike any other OSU professional development program. Employees are encouraged
to curate their learning to specific interests or job duties. 

“Providing continued learning opportunities for our employees through instructor-led,
online and LinkedIn Learning platforms at no cost sets OSU apart,” said Christa Louthan,
OSU assistant vice president and chief human resources officer. “A demonstrated commitment
to learning and development ultimately shapes the future of our institution. Twenty-five
years of leaders coming together to advance their skills and our university’s mission
is cause for celebration.” 

Tracie Brown, assistant vice president of student affairs, was recognized at the event
as the longest-standing participant in the program. Brown, who has served at OSU for
over 35 years, has been involved with the ALP since its inception.  

“Over the years, I have attended programs focused on strategic thinking, emotional
intelligence, communication skills and leadership styles, just to name a few,” Brown
said. “All have been valuable in shaping me into the professional I am today. I believe
a good leader is a person who never stops learning and ALP has helped me in my journey
to becoming just that, a good leader and mentor for others.” 

In previous years, participation typically averaged 65 participants. In 2024, 92 employees
participated in the program. Philip Goodwin, director of talent development and recruitment
in University Human Resources, said that though participation numbers have recently
spiked, he believes “we’ve just scratched the surface.”  

“I hope ALP continues to grow, both in participation and programming,” Goodwin said.
“With continued content creativity and engagement encouragement, I think we could
see significant growth in the coming years. It’s great to see the camaraderie that
naturally occurs with this group, creating valued networks and friendships.” 

For Goodwin, seeing the wide array of experiences that each individual brings to the
program strengthens the culture at OSU. 

“ALP’s focus revolves around personal leadership and our participants have voluntarily
committed to continuing their growth and development,” Goodwin said. “Although this
is an individual engagement, the outcomes are ripple effects, improving teams and
our entire Cowboy family.” 

Talent development and recruitment offers six certificate programs for all knowledge
levels and campus departments. Learn more about professional development opportunities
at OSU here.