At Metropolitan State University of Denver, a job is never just a job — it’s the starting point for a journey of growth, discovery and leadership. By investing in its people and advancing Pillar V of the 2030 Strategic Plan, the University is building a culture where continuous learning turns everyday roles into meaningful careers.
Through a portfolio of professional development programs, the Leadership and Organizational Engagement team within the Office of Human Resources helps employees take action, said Imani Morning, executive director for Leadership and Organizational Engagement. From leadership pathways to skill-building workshops, these opportunities are designed to support every Roadrunner—faculty, staff, and student-employees—while driving the University’s mission forward, she said.
MSU Denver in :60, featuring Imani Morning, executive director for Leadership and Organizational Engagement
Professional development programs
Professional Leadership Development provides various offerings that meet the needs of all employees and leader-levels. Signature programs are offered annually and include the following:
GROW
Skill-based workshops for all employees, at every level
The GROW program is a series of skills-based workshops, that include topics relevant to support current and future professional and leadership development. These custom MSU Denver workshops are open to all employees, including staff, faculty and student employees.
Courses are held in-person or virtually, depending on the offering, and topics are announced each semester.
LAUNCH
A three-day program for all leaders who have at least one direct report (including student employees), such as managers, chairs, supervisors, directors, senior program managers and leads
The LAUNCH program helps build leadership skills, provides a platform to discuss barriers and implementation and supports individual reflection and development. Sessions include pre-work and live instruction, as well as a celebratory lunch to congratulate graduates.
The next cohort will kick off on Oct. 16; registration is now open through Oct. 7.
LEAD
A semester-long program for University leaders who have at least three direct reports, such as directors, department chairs, associate deans and other supervisors
Through the LEAD program, participants engage in six required and one or more elective full-day workshops focusing on leadership, equity, change leadership and healthy team culture. The Leadership and Organizational Engagement team partners with experts from across the University community to provide access to knowledge, skills and tools for leaders to hone their leadership and management skills.
The fall cohort is underway. Registration for the Spring 2026 cohort is open through January 20.
INSPIRE
A semiannual leadership off-site program for University leaders who have graduated from the LEAD program or have been referred by nomination.
This leadership development program, grounded in The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, helps participants strengthen their leadership skills through deep exploration of the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. Using the Leadership Practices Inventory (a 360° feedback tool), leaders will assess how frequently they demonstrate these practices while developing strategies to enhance their effectiveness. The program emphasizes building cross-campus relationships, aligning personal values with MSU Denver’s CADRE values and reflecting on commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. By the end, participants will be equipped to articulate a leadership vision, create actionable growth plans, and apply their learning within teams to expand their positive leadership impact. This program is delivered off-campus and takes place over two and a half days.
NEW: Introducing the MSU Denver Mentoring Toolkit
Designed to support new and experienced mentors and mentees in building strong connections and empowering relationships, the MSU Denver Mentoring Toolkit is modeled after the Cornell University’s inclusive mentorship model and aligned with the University’s CADRE values.
