RECAP: Lisa Scott Leadership Academy: Equipping Academic Leaders to Thrive
April 28, 2026
The 2026 Lisa Scott Leadership Academy, held April 7-8, 2026, proved once again to be an exceptional professional development experience for current and emerging leaders in CSD. Participants consistently praised the Academy’s clear focus on academic leadership, noting how refreshing and relevant it was compared to more corporate-style leadership programs.
Attendees, many of whom were new to leadership roles, described the two-day workshop as timely, energizing, and deeply supportive. Practical tools, thoughtful exercises, and immediately applicable strategies helped participants feel more confident and better prepared to navigate leadership challenges. Regardless of role or experience level, participants reported that every session felt meaningful and relevant.
Equally impactful was the strong sense of community fostered throughout the Academy. Participants valued the opportunity to openly share challenges, learn from one another, and build trusted networks that will continue well beyond the workshop. For many, the Academy helped reduce the isolation often associated with leadership and replaced it with connection and encouragement.
The Academy’s success was further enhanced by engaging facilitation, intentional programming, and opportunities to interact with CAPCSD leadership. Many participants described the experience as one of the best professional development opportunities of their careers and enthusiastically recommended expanding access in the future.
CAPCSD congratulates the 2026 cohort and extends sincere thanks to everyone who makes the Lisa Scott Leadership Academy such a meaningful and transformative experience for academic leaders.
Heidi Verticchio, EdD, CCC-SLP
VP Professional Development
Program Description
As part of its missions to provide visionary leadership for academic programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders and to promote the professional development of its constituents, CAPCSD offers this program to support individuals considering academic leadership positions, or those who are newly engaged in academic leadership, to develop their knowledge and skills in leadership.
Future Academy Information
No dates have been set by CAPCSD's Board of Directors for the next Lisa Scott Leadership Academy. Most recently, the Academy has been held every two years. Since CAPCSD held an April 2026 Academy, it is estimated that the next Lisa Scott Leadership Academy will be held during the 2028 Annual Conference Week. Once this date has been confirmed, the webpage will be updated accordingly.
Questions
Click here to contact Mandie McKenzie.