Administrative Professionals Academy (APA)
The Administrative Professionals Academy (APA) is a leadership development program created especially for administrative staff. APA helps administrative professionals grow personally and professionally. Participants increase their skill levels by completing individual projects and group activities as well as instruction. Students reap great benefits by networking with other professionals from government, university, and business settings. All courses and projects are designed to assist participants in identifying and cultivating their own leadership style. This is achieved within the context of the Naifeh Center’s core values of integrity, relationships, innovation, service, and excellence.
The Administrative Professionals Academy consists of six full-day sessions across a 12-month period. Participants also complete project-based learning outside of the classroom. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony where participants receive a certificate of completion.
Click Here for APA Brochure
What Topics are Covered?
Self-Awareness
Vision and Purpose
Managing Time
Customer Service
Dealing Tactfully with Difficult People & Situations
Practicing Effective Communication
Understanding Others
Conflict Management
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
Understanding Generational Differences
Public Speaking
Influencing and Managing Up
How Do Participants Benefit?
Targeted leadership development training
Increased understanding of personal leadership styles/strengths
Professional networking opportunities
Exposure to community leaders
Strengthened professional skills
Enhanced leadership knowledge and capacity
Are you Interested?
Apply for the 2023 Knoxville or Nashville Cohort via the application below.

“The APA has provided me an opportunity to focus on self-awareness, identify my strengths and growth opportunities, discover what I value and expect from leadership, and realize how effective implementing those same values from my position can be, all while networking with my peers….” – 2019 APA participant
What does the Program Cost?
The total cost per participant in 2023 is $2,045. This cost is inclusive of all program materials, individual leadership assessment tools, online training modules, activities and meals.
2023 Class Schedule
Nashville / Online Cohort
January 17, 2023
March 21, 2023
May 16, 2023
July 18, 2023
Sept 26, 2023
Nov 14, 2023
Knoxville
January 19, 2023
March 23, 2023
May 18, 2023
July 20, 2023
Sept 28, 2023
Nov 16, 2023