Stop guessing whether your leadership programs actually work.
Demystifying Measurement in Leader Development is a rigorous, practice-based online course that gives higher education and leader development professionals the tools to measure, improve, and defend the impact of their programs.
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THE PROBLEM
You know your program makes a difference. But can you prove it?
Most leadership professionals are asked to justify their programs with data they don't have, using methods they were never taught. The result: programs defended only by anecdotes, budgets that are vulnerable to cuts, and students who miss out on development that could actually help them grow as leaders.
"I know our students are growing — but I can't quantify it for the dean."
"We collect surveys at the end of every program. I have no idea what to do with the data."
"Leadership development is always first on the chopping block because we can't show ROI."
WHAT YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
Practical tools. Real deliverables. Immediate application.
This isn't just an abstract theory course. Every module gives you tools you'll actually use, culminating in a tangible assessment plan tailored to your unique context.
- Validated Measurement Tools—learn to identify and apply instruments that actually measure leadership growth, not just satisfaction or attendance.
- Language that persuades stakeholders—translate data into compelling narratives for deans, boards, clients, and budget committees.
- A professional digital credential—earn a badge from the Doerr Institute at Rice University, a nationally recognized name in evidence-based leader development.
- A Custom Impact Assessment Plan—our capstone project is a ready-to-use evaluation framework for a real program at your own institution.
WHY THIS COURSE
Customized measurement training for applied leader development
- 1:1 consultation included—get personalized feedback from Dr. Aaron Pomerantz, a dedicated measurement expert, not just pre-recorded lectures.
- No statistics background needed—core measurement concepts made accessible and immediately usable, regardless of your quantitative background.
- Designed for busy professionals—online, flexibility with structured milestones, built for people running programs while taking the course.
- Carnegie Classification ready—the applied work in this course directly supports institutions preparing for Carnegie Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose applications.
INFO SESSIONS
See the course before you commit
Meet the instructor, explore the curriculum, and get your questions answered in 30 minutes.
Info Session 1
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. CST
Info Session 2
Thursday, July 16, 2026
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. CST
Info Session 3
Friday, August 14, 2026
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. CST
WHO ENROLLS
Made for the people who run programs, not just study them
If you design, deliver, fund, or evaluate leader development — and you want to be able to defend what you do with evidence — this course is for you.
- Student affairs professionals
- Academic leadership faculty
- Assessment coordinators
- Executive coaches
- Leader development program managers
- Graduate students (Ed, Psych, Business)
- Consultants & facilitators
- Campus program administrators
“Designed with both rigor and practicality in mind, this course delivers exactly what it promises. Rather than offering abstract or generic advice, the course provides a highly actionable framework rooted in evidence-based practice.”
— Dr. Kimberly Black
Director for Student Leadership & Strategic Initiatives
Baylor University
How to Apply
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of Demystifying Measurement in Leader Development will open in May 2026. Full details—including program dates, deadlines, and curriculum—will be available soon.
Questions? Email leadership@rice.edu for questions about the course.