The Department of Management at Appalachian State University has launched an Adventure Leadership Academy (ALA) for students to develop leadership and teamwork skills.
The ALA offers short, 24- to 48-hour experiences in Appalachia and longer, week-long expeditions to Alaska.
Some excursions focus on innovation projects addressing social challenges, and students can earn badges for their participation.
ALA Expeditions to Alaska
Under the guidance of seasoned leaders on faculty in the Department of Management, participants engage in immersive challenges designed to test their resilience and adaptability. These experiences include leadership scenarios that encourage students to navigate the complexities of teamwork and decision-making in real-world settings.
The first week-long ALA expedition was in Anchorage, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Seward, Alaska, in May 2024.
"The Adventure Leadership Academy is not just about outdoor activities; it's about cultivating the skills needed to lead effectively under pressure," said ALA Instructor Bond Jones. "Participants face environmental challenges, team dynamics, and leadership scenarios that allow them to gain invaluable insights into their capabilities."
Bond, an experienced athlete and outdoorsman, and fellow leader Jon Bleakley, who has 25+ years of leadership experience in the US Army Special Ops and non-profit organizations and is an ICF ACC Coach, helped provide stress inoculation and build participants' confidence in their ability to lead under pressure. Coaching and timely feedback helped participants internalize lessons and grow professionally.
"As students confronted various challenges, they learned not only how to lead but also how to support their teammates," said Bleakley." This experience is designed to prepare them for future leadership roles in any setting."
The Adventure Leadership Academy is part of the Department of Management’s commitment to providing students with experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom. The
transformative experience in Alaska has equipped participants with skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.
Interest in ALA Alaska
The next week-long ALA Expedition will be in May 2025, between the Spring and Summer 1 terms.
To receive more information, students may express interest in ALA Alaska through the Leadership Experience Interest Form and are invited to register by searching the course catalog for MGT 3535 – Applied Business Leadership Experience.
The first week-long ALA expedition was in Anchorage, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Seward, Alaska, in May 2024.
Photo by Jon Bleakley