LEAD Institute
Why LEAD Institute?
The LEAD Institute certificate is designed for emerging leaders, experienced professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their leadership impact. This certificate provides a well-rounded exploration of leadership principles, helping students grow their ability to guide others, adapt to change, and lead with purpose. Through practical learning experiences, students build confidence and clarity in how they show up as leaders in their organizations and communities.
This certificate is a focused, short-term sprint designed to advance students on their career or educational path. Develop targeted, real-world skills for career advancement or prepare for next steps in a degree program. Enroll today to accelerate your career and get to the next level in your current job or field of choice.
Program Facts
Program Details
Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.
Here is the full list of courses you’ll take in the program.
Meet our instructors.
Ted Melby, BA, MS
A proud graduate of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Ted earned his journeyman machinist card early in his career before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marian University and a master’s in organizational behavior from Silver Lake University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at UW-Stout. Ted joined Mid-State full-time in 2024 after more than 20 years of business leadership experience, including director of plant operations and maintenance at Wysocki Family of Companies and corporate director of procurement for Ministry Health Care. Other roles he’s held include engineering program manager, product engineering supervisor, and purchasing manager.
“As leaders rise in an organization, they face increasingly complex challenges that demand continuous leadership growth and development. I am most proud of developing emotionally intelligent, adaptive, resilient and self-aware leaders that have a strong leader identity of their own.”
Morgan Vanderhei, BS
Morgan (also known as “Mo”) began her higher education journey at a two-year college with general education courses before deciding on a career path. She later earned her BS in business administration with minors in communication and economics from UW–Stevens Point. She started in outreach at Mid-State Technical College in 2019, working closely with K–12 schools, before taking on her current faculty position. Prior to that she worked as a marketing communications director for the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (WRACVB). Being part of a smaller nonprofit for several years allowed her to take on many leadership roles, diversify her business experience, and engage with her community through involvement in a variety of organizations and events.
“My goal is to meet students where they are at in their journey, helping them get to where they want to be—not just imparting knowledge but igniting a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime.”
Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:
- Examine the meaning and purpose of leadership in an organization.
- Develop a personal leadership style.
- Analyze complex business environments, industry trends, and competitive landscapes to identify opportunities and threats that inform strategic decision-making.
- Inspire and motivate teams and stakeholders.
- Plan change initiatives.
- Engage in moral reasoning and critical thinking to assess ethical implications in various leadership contexts.
- Assess the impact of mentorship on leadership development and personal growth.
- Apply negotiation strategies to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in complex situations.
- Engage actively with diverse business communities, fostering connections, collaborations, and relationships to advance personal and professional goals.
- Apply motivation and coaching strategies that improve individual and group performance.
Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.
To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.
Explore Other Options
Other Programs
Explore more Mid-State programs and find your path to success.
Workforce Training
Not ready for a full degree? Learn job-ready skills with our workforce training options.
Continuing Education
Add a new skill, explore a hobby, or take the next step in your career with our lifelong learning options.
