Coaching Opportunities
Working with a coach can help you as you take on new challenges, undergo a transition, or determine next steps for your career.
What is coaching?
Coaching is a powerful, ongoing relationship that helps you focus and realize your vision and goals. With a professional coach, you will get the tools and support to empower you to remove obstacles and facilitate change.
Is coaching the same as advising or consulting?
An advising or consulting agreement uses the knowledge and expertise of the advisor or consultant to assist a leader in decision making. While a coach may have expertise useful to you, the coaching engagement focuses on partnering with you as you identify steps and actions to achieve goals.
Is coaching therapy?
No, coaching is not therapy. You will find that coaching focuses on strategic planning and personal growth and does not attempt to heal emotional trauma. Coaches regularly refer clients to other professionals for issues that are better suited to a therapeutic relationship.
How does it work?
You will have an initial session with one of our coaches to help you determine if coaching is right for you and who is the right coach for you. If you want to move forward with coaching, you will create a coaching agreement to ensure clarity. In a typical coaching engagement you and your coach will meet for 30-60 mins every one-to-two weeks for a total of approximately 6 sessions. Coaching can occur in person or via Zoom.
What is our training in coaching?
Each of us has taken initial training through a program accredited by the International Coaching Federation. These programs include > 72 hours of coursework, work with a mentor coach, and faculty review of coaching sessions.
Is there a cost to the coaching?
The best part is that this free to you! We are offering coaching as part of our work to support faculty, staff and leaders at the University of Kentucky. Please note, students have access to Integrated Success Coaching through the Office for Student Success, which is a separate program.
How do I get started?
Please reach out directly to one of us per your choice, and we will schedule the first session. Please note, to minimize risk of conflict of interest and/or to maximize access it is possible that we will refer you internally between our 4 coaches. For example, as Dr. Greer is Dean of the College of Communication and Information, it would be best if members of that college work with one of the other 3 coaches.
Potential coaching topics
- Managing and interacting with people you find difficult/ conflict management
- Academic career advancement
- Administrative or leadership career advancement
- Interviewing skills
- Time management
- Leadership skill development
- New to leadership
- Work-Life Integration
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Greer, Dean and Professor, College of Communication and Information
I have served as a faculty member for nearly 30 years at three different flagship universities, including 25 years in administrative and supervisory roles. Prior to academics, I was a journalist in three states for newspapers and online news outlets. I have served as a mentor for those beginning their academic careers and for new administrators, and I’m eager to introduce you to the coaching approach, which helps you explore solutions to issues in the workplace with me as a guide.
Kenneth Jones, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development, Director of Extension Faculty Development and Engaged Scholarship, and Professor, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
I have over 20 years of experience working at the University of Kentucky, where I have had the privilege of serving in various roles, including as a faculty member and, more recently, as an administrator within my college. My career began as a UK county Extension agent, where I focused on outreach/engagement and capacity building at the community level. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in mentoring faculty and staff. I am passionate about coaching my colleagues in a way that will help them advance to new levels of opportunity, both professionally and personally.
Lisa Tannock, Associate Provost for Faculty Advancement, and Professor, College of Medicine
I have been faculty at UK for 21 years. I began my career as a physician-scientist in the biomedical areas of diabetes and cardiovascular complications. My administrative experience has been in the areas of faculty development and advancement. Helping others succeed is what inspires and motivates me. I am eager to help you succeed through the coach approach at any stage of your career.
Bill Verble, Director of Provost HR Business Partners
I have been with the University of Kentucky for over 25 years. In my current role, I am responsible for providing HR guidance to academic leaders, ensuring effective planning and implementation of workforce initiatives, and facilitating communication between academic units and central HR areas. Prior to this role, I worked as a manager, developer, and facilitator of leadership and management development training. I am a certified professional coach and am energized about helping leaders learn and grow.