SOUTH CENTRAL PUBLIC HEALTH
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

The SC-PHLI will consist of a cohort of mid-management professionals from across Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. We encourage applications from individuals in all areas of public health, community health and health care.  Mid-management professionals at local, county (parish), state or tribal health departments, community health care clinics, public health organizations and community health workers are candidates for the Leadership Institute.

• Participants will be drawn from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences.
• Experience in public health practice is required (approximately 5 years in public health or related area). There are no degree requirements or particular educational background.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Mid-management professional (5 years of professional experience in public health or primary care)
• Supervisory and/or managerial experience
• Employment in public health, healthcare, or community health practice in tribal, governmental or community agencies and organizations
• Employment in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Texas
• Commitment to active participation in live sessions and assignments
• Commitment and ability to devote approximately 3 hours per week to SC-PHLI activities
• Support from applicant’s employer (via letter of support) to participate 3 hours per week during work time for SC-PHLI activities

Preparation – October 2026

• In October 2026, participants will complete a confidential online self-assessment for emotional intelligence. A professional leadership counselor will review your self-assessment and compile a summary for the cohort. The self-assessment is confidential and is a basis for “know yourself” as you develop as a leader. Each participant will schedule a confidential one-on-one session with the professional leadership counselor in October/November 2026; this session will provide individual feedback that can be used for goal-setting and identifying skills during the leadership institute.

Leadership Institute Sessions – November 2026 – May 2027

Live Sessions

• The first virtual session will be held in November 2026 and extend through May 2027 with a holiday break in early December 2026 to early January 2027.
• Live virtual sessions via Zoom will be held every other week for approximately 3 hours.
• The sessions will be led by an expert in the field and will be highly interactive with discussions, debate and activities. The sessions will encourage participants to share experiences and the opportunity to learn from others. The sessions and group work are geared for peer-to-peer learning, networking and problem solving.
• During these sessions, the group may meet as a whole or may break into small groups for part of the time.
• There will be a short evaluation survey at the end of each session.

Holiday Break: December 16, 2026 – January 12, 2027

Tentative Fall 2026 SC-PHLI Schedule* 

*Session topics subject to change

Topics covered in the SC-PHLI include:

• Emotional Intelligence (E.I.) /Self-Assessment
• Recognizing Your Leadership Style
• Public Health State of Affairs
• Mentoring
• Public Health Ethics and Professionalism
• Communication: Essentials for Success: Approach and Value
• Organizations and Systems Thinking
• Leadership and Organization Evolution
• Crisis Leadership

Alternating Week Activities:

There are two types of activities (pre- and post-work) that are to be completed on the alternating weeks in between live sessions.  The time to complete these activities will not exceed a total of 3 hours. This schedule allows the participant to budget 3 hours of time each week for the SC-PHLI.

Preparation for the Upcoming Session:

• In order to actively participate in the live sessions, participants will be expected to prepare for upcoming sessions to inform discussions and debates. Preparation is essential for active discussions.
• Preparation for live sessions may include assigned readings, podcasts and/or video modules.

Session Follow up Activity for Learning or Application:

• After each session, participants will complete an activity to enhance and reinforce learning and problem-solving.
• These activities are focused to skill building an may include a written analysis, video, presentation, or other exercise to reinforce learning and for problem solving.

Certificate of Accomplishment & SC-PHLI Challenge Coin:

Participants who successfully complete the SC-PHLI will be awarded a Certificate of Accomplishment in Leadership and a SC-PHLI Challenge Coin.

The Tulane PACE Learning Management System will be used as a portal to manage the SC-PHLI. The Tulane PACE LMS will serve as a hub for Leadership Institute-related information, readings, podcasts, video modules, assignments/activities and other communications. 

Computer requirements: Each participant must have access to a computer with a web camera, microphone and stable Internet connection to participate in live Zoom sessions.  A quiet space for live sessions is desirable.

Applications for the Fall 2026 South Central Public Health Leadership Institute are closed.

Have SC-PHLI-related questions or need more information? Email us!