Accepting Applications for 2025-26 Leadership Development Cohort

Updated 7 August 2025

For a third year, Fosgail is partnering with the John Bulow Campbell Library of Columbia Theological Seminary to offer Leadership Development for Theological Librarians for a new cohort of participants.

Applications are now open for the 2025-26 cohort. This cohort will be led by Dr. Kelly Campbell and Deaconess Myka Kennedy Stephens. We anticipate this year’s program will be receiving grant funds from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion.

Priority will be given to theology and religious studies librarians who are in a position they have held for three years or less. The cohort is ideal for early and mid-career librarians either acclimating to a new leadership position or preparing to move into a higher-level position.

The time commitment will be from September 2025 to May 2026 and includes:

• Four 1-hour cohort workshops online (September, October, December, February)
• Two 1-hour group coaching sessions online (November, March)
• One 1-hour individual coaching session online (January)
• Two 45-minute individual coaching reflection sessions online (September, May)
• A three-day in-person retreat at Columbia Theological Seminary (April)
• Independent study between cohort workshops and development of a personal leadership development plan

The entirety of the program costs will be covered by a grant. All travel, lodging, and meal expenses for the in-person retreat will be covered or reimbursed. All necessary supplies and materials will be provided.

Deadline for applications is Monday, August 18, 2025. Applicants will be notified by August 25, 2025.

What previous participants have said about the program:

“The cohort experience enabled me to make meaningful connections between who I am and the work I am called to in a theological library. It equipped me to better understand myself and the ways in which leadership principles apply to my work. I also enjoyed the chance to connect with mentors and other emerging leaders in our field. The one-on-one coaching sessions were insightful and produced significant results in my personal and professional life. I would highly recommend the cohort!” — Nathan Thebarge, Library Director, Trinity International University

“Participating in the Leadership Development cohort has profoundly shaped my understanding of authentic leadership. It helped me align my values and abilities with leadership practices and provided a reflective space to identify and prioritize areas for my personal growth.” — Christa Strickler, Collection Metadata Integrity & Management Librarian, University of Notre Dame

“‘Start practicing today, what you plan to do tomorrow’ - The simplicity and depth of these sentiments stated at the culmination of the [leadership development] cohort shed light over the contextually rich year meant to instill personal and professional growth. For this, I am greatly appreciative. While others may find these words trivial, some things can only be treasured through taking the personal trek that they were presented and received.” — Anonymous, Access Services Librarian

“I have been challenged and encouraged as a member of the 2024-25 [leadership development] cohort. Completing various ’tests’ and reading about leadership has made me aware of my strengths and areas I need to work on in order to be a better leader. Supportive leaders and colleagues in similar situations made this an unforgettable and life changing experience.” — Hannah Loewen, Director of Library Services, Providence University College and Theological Seminary