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LEAD Public Interest

From Interim Dean Andrew Giacomazzi

LEAD Certificates

Welcome to the 2021-2022 Academic Year! At the School of Public Service, we’re excited to welcome new and returning students to campus. Although the new year certainly hasn’t begun according to the script we had in early summer, we’re doing our best to adjust and build on the lessons we’ve learned to continue a vibrant learning environment for our students. 

These past two years have driven home the importance of tackling real world problems. The challenges our students face and are preparing to face are not hypothetical or theoretical. They are real. Meeting these challenges requires innovation, grit, resilience–and leadership. 

In this issue of Public Interest, we’ll introduce you to the students, alumni and faculty of our LEAD program. While not new to Boise State, LEAD is new to the School of Public Service and its a great addition to our instructional programming.  LEAD emphasizes real world leadership training for real world leaders. 

We are working hard in the School of Public Service to ensure that our students are empowered to be responsive and empathetic leaders to tackle today’s complex and unexpected challenges.

We’re learning, educating and leading as we work in the public interest. 

Thanks for reading,

Andrew Giacomazzi
Interim Dean, School of Public Service
Boise State University

With Dr. Heidi Reeder

Academics Talking Academics in Elevators

In another exciting edition of “Academics Talking Academics in Elevators,” School of Public Service Interim Dean Andrew Giacomazzi and Heidi Reeder of our LEAD Program discuss:

  • Why is there a need for LEAD certificates?
  • The difference between the online and in-person certificates
  • What kind of student benefits from the LEAD program?
  • What makes a person a great leader?
  • The soon-to-launch graduate certificate in Leadership
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Support our student leaders

To support Dr. Reeder’s work in the LEAD program and provide resources for students to become great leaders in their career paths, please go to our giving page to make a tax deductible gift.

Read about some of our outstanding students in the following section!

Give to support student leaders
  • Keri Kwan headshot

    Keri Kwan

    Applied Science Major

    I am in the Bachelors of Applied Science program. I transferred from the College of Western Idaho with an Associates in Early Childhood with the goal of graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. The LEAD certificate was recommended to me by my advisor, and it was also intriguing. For most of my student life, I have been a follower and relied on others, but I wanted to grow in my leadership skills and help others be the best version of themselves so I decided to pursue the LEAD certificate, and I have no ounce of regret!

    I am in the Bachelors of Applied Science program. I transferred from the College of Western Idaho with an Associates in Early Childhood with the goal of graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. The LEAD certificate was recommended to me by my advisor, and it was also intriguing. For most of my student life, I have been a follower and relied on others, but I wanted to grow in my leadership skills and help others be the best version of themselves so I decided to pursue the LEAD certificate, and I have no ounce of regret!

  • Brooke Ledesma headshot

    Brooke Ledesma

    Multidisciplinary Studies Major

    I started college several years ago but returned to my hometown college, BSU, to finish my degree. In that time, I worked as a junior staffer on Capitol Hill, managed political campaigns at the state and federal level, and advocated for causes I’m passionate about.

    I’m pursuing the LEAD certificate because I wanted to explore the intersection of public service and personal growth. I’ve been fortunate to have powerful role models in my life, and I want my actions to also inspire other young women to dream, grow, and lead. The best way I can equip myself with the right “tools in my toolkit” is by studying the concepts of authentic leadership, in pursuit of developing my own inspirational leadership style.

    I started college several years ago but returned to my hometown college, BSU, to finish my degree. In that time, I worked as a junior staffer on Capitol Hill, managed political campaigns at the state and federal level, and advocated for causes I’m passionate about.

    I’m pursuing the LEAD certificate because I wanted to explore the intersection of public service and personal growth. I’ve been fortunate to have powerful role models in my life, and I want my actions to also inspire other young women to dream, grow, and lead. The best way I can equip myself with the right “tools in my toolkit” is by studying the concepts of authentic leadership, in pursuit of developing my own inspirational leadership style.

  • Kylie Saulovich headshot

    Kylie Saulovich

    Communication Major

    I decided to pursue a LEAD certificate, more specifically the certificate in Leadership and Human Relations because I wanted to develop leadership skills, along with strengthening the skills I already have. Ever since I was little, people said I had the potential to be a leader, and had leader-like qualities, that when I saw that this certificate was offered and there was a LEAD program I thought it was the time to grow in my leadership potential. Also, with the day and age we live in, leadership skills are so important! Anytime you view job postings, more often than not one of the qualifications employers/companies look for is leadership skills, or experience in a leadership role. I am very thankful that I will be able to put this LEAD certificate, the skills I learned, and the experiences I have had on my resume for future jobs.

    I decided to pursue a LEAD certificate, more specifically the certificate in Leadership and Human Relations because I wanted to develop leadership skills, along with strengthening the skills I already have. Ever since I was little, people said I had the potential to be a leader, and had leader-like qualities, that when I saw that this certificate was offered and there was a LEAD program I thought it was the time to grow in my leadership potential. Also, with the day and age we live in, leadership skills are so important! Anytime you view job postings, more often than not one of the qualifications employers/companies look for is leadership skills, or experience in a leadership role. I am very thankful that I will be able to put this LEAD certificate, the skills I learned, and the experiences I have had on my resume for future jobs.

Sociology, Account Executive at Clearwater Analytics

Alumni Spotlight: Tommy Lippman

Why did you choose to pursue a LEAD certificate?
I pursued the LEAD certificate to understand how leaders think. I had assumed a few leadership roles in organizations on campus and it felt natural to explore a certificate aimed towards leadership psychology and building leadership skills. I had no idea I would be gaining invaluable course experience and a staff and peer network that would positively impact my post-graduate development.

How do you use your certificate in your current career?
I’ve found coursework covering emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, managerial psychology, and team building to be the most useful in my current career. I apply this material daily by collaborating with clients and colleagues to move projects forward and solve complex problems. The LEAD certificate laid a foundation for me to communicate effectively and meet the demands of a fast-paced work environment.

What advice would you give to someone considering a LEAD certificate?
The LEAD certificate weaves topics into lesson plans that are hard to find elsewhere at Boise State. Lessons in leadership psychology, decision making, and the application of leadership theories in team settings. I recommend the LEAD certificate to anyone interested in personal or team growth, you’ll build tangible skills that you can quickly apply from day one.

BA Multidisciplinary Studies, St. Luke’s Ambulatory Quality and Patient Safety Director

Alumni Spotlight: Summer Johnson

Why did you choose to pursue a LEAD certificate?
I can’t remember the time where my fascination for leadership and the skills needed for a successful and positive team first started.  I have worked in healthcare the majority of my life and witnessing a multidisciplinary team come together in life threatening situations struck me as synergy I wanted to know more. I have seen the impact my industry has on the communities we serve when teams are innovative, and collaborate on safety outcomes.  I pursed this program to refine my skills, increase the science on leadership knowledge and most importantly gain a deep perspective in the teams I lead. This program gave me so much more and has been a key factor in my success.

How do you use your certificate in your current career?
I use my certificate in my everyday life in and out of the workplace. This program prepared me with universal leadership skills needed for living my best leadership life.

Dr. Reeder’s focus on emotional intelligence training is the cornerstone of leadership. This program provided various in-class learnings that created a space of vulnerability so that we could understand what self-awareness feels like, what being in the moment represents and to how to use those emotions to communicate effectively. By understanding how your emotions build lasting relationships, and impact your reaction can be a powerful key driver to your decision making process as a leader. These specific skills help dissect the ambiguity in what may surface in workplace relationships and arrive intentionally to say what you mean and mean what you say. This is why after graduating four years ago, this program has become a brilliant addition to my leadership toolkit.

What advice would you give to someone considering a LEAD certificate?
I believe if you are considering this certificate you are already inquisitive of what sustainable leadership looks like and wanting more. Here is my recommendation for all of you up and coming leaders wanting to make a leadership impact. Take this program, invest in your future self and allow these skills to become the fabric of your personal style of leadership.  You won’t regret it.

LEAD Assistant Director Brian Thompson answers Five Questions for The Blue Review

Leadership is About Helping Others

“The definition of leadership is as unique as every individual with the inclination to lead, so the answer is a bit different for everybody.

That said, being a good leader requires, first and foremost, a personal motivation that is genuinely centered on the success of those you lead. There’s very little room for self-interest in real leadership. All too often, people aspire to leadership roles because they want to advance their own career, agenda, or power. If that is the underlying motivation, one’s leadership experience will be filled with frustration. They will inevitably begin to view their followers as obstacles, or worse, as tools to leverage for their own advancement. This is the antithesis of true leadership, but it exists all around us.

At its core, leadership is about helping others. Those who give themselves over to the sincere desire to support the development, accomplishments, and well-being of others are ultimately the ones who find success in their own leadership, and who position themselves for expanded influence. Genuine leaders don’t have to demand the spotlight. They earn it through being worthy of others’ attention and appreciation.”

Read Brian Thompson's Interview in The Blue Review
Expected launch is 2022

Graduate LEAD Certificate coming soon!

A new Leadership in Action graduate certificate program is now in development. This certificate will offer an immersive and rigorous experience for early to mid-level professionals who are committed to driving meaningful change within themselves, their teams, and their broader environment. Expected launch is 2022!

LEAD Director Heidi Reeder Publishes piece on commitment among adjunct faculty

Dr. Heidi Reeder published a piece in the Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. “Commitment among adjunct faculty” seeks to understand the variables that predict commitment among adjunct instructors who labor without the stability of tenure and have few barriers to leaving their position. Reeder found that “satisfaction and investments were the main predictors of commitment. Grit and self-efficacy did not correlate with commitment, but did correlate with satisfaction and investments.”