The Panther Leadership Academy is a 20-week experience designed for Pitt undergrads over the course of two semesters. Through hands-on activities, discussion, and reflection, you'll discover your unique leadership style and learn how to lead with confidence, purpose, and inclusiveness. Whether you're just getting started or looking to further your leadership, this program will help you develop your leadership skills and learn how to implement changes in your communities.
Registration for Spring 2026 will be available starting in December 2025.
- Our Foundation
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The foundation of the Panther Leadership Academy is based on the Social Change Model of Leadership which highlights 8 key principles: Consciousness of self, Congruence, Commitment, Collaboration, Common Purpose, Controversy with Civility, Citizenship, and Change.
In the Panther Leadership Academy, we use a hands-on approach combined with large and small group discussions, team building activities, community engagement, and role playing.
- Discussion Topics
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Panther Leadership Academy Discussion Topics Include: Leadership philosophies, communication style and skills, conflict resolution, social identities, group dynamics, empowerment, social change model, collaboration, civility, and leadership in practice.
- Panther Leadership Academy Schedule & Registration
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The Panther Leadership Academy is a total of 20 weeks, but is split into two 10-week semesters. Section 1 will be offered during the Fall semester, and Section 2 will be offered in the Spring semester. To graduate from the Panther Leadership Academy, a student must complete both Section 1 AND Section 2.
Sessions are offered once per week for two hours in a cohort-style that allows you to build relationships and grow with a small group of peers throughout the duration of the semester.In the spring 2026 semester, we are planning to offer both Section 1 and Section 2 of Panther Leadership Academy. Section 2 is only offered to students who have completed Section 1.
- What will I receive after completing the Panther Leadership Academy?
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- A Certificate of completion from Leadership Development
- Pitt and/or Panther Leadership Academy merchandise
- Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) credit toward the Leadership Development Goal
- Completion of PLA is a requirement for the Leadership Certificate through the College of General Studies
- Ability to apply to be a Peer Facilitator for the Panther Leadership Academy
Meet the Facilitators
The Panther Leadership Academy Facilitators are a passionate group of leaders on campus, comprised of peer facilitators who have graduated from the Panther Leadership Academy and staff facilitators, who are either graduate students or experienced professionals within the University of Pittsburgh. The PLA Facilitators are trained to lead each class session and can serve as role models and mentors to the participants in the program.
Kylie Baker
Major(s): International & Area Studies, Political Science
Year: Junior
Brescias Bocchiaro
Major(s): Natural Sciences, Disability Studies Track
Year: Junior
Edie Cox
Major(s): Psychology
Year: Senior
Lily Newcomer
Major(s): Natural Sciences, Pre-Med Track
Year: Junior
Alicea Parreira
Major(s): Communication Science
Year: Junior
Nessa Purohit
Major(s): Information Science
Year: Senior
Claire Tierney
Major(s): Economics, Political Science
Year: Sophomore
Charlie Voss
Major(s): Politics, Philosophy
Year: Sophomore
Staff Facilitators
Ami Elliott
Key Initiatives Manager for the Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Maria Hays
Program Coordinator for Community Health and Safety, Interfraternity Council Advisor
Caedyn Krahling
Resident Director, Forbes Hall
Jordan Ulrich
Human Resources Manager