Next Generation 2.0

LaQuia Walker-Vinson Appointed Faculty Fellow

Academic Affairs is excited to announce the appointment of LaQuia Walker-Vinson as the Next Generation 2.0 faculty fellow.

Walker-Vinson is an associate professor and program director in pediatric dentistry at Indiana University Indianapolis. With over 20 years of campus service and extensive committee experience, she brings deep institutional knowledge and a commitment to advancing campus initiatives. Her focus on leadership growth and supporting faculty in the post-pandemic landscape aligns well with the fellowship goals.

Walker-Vinson specializes in pediatric dental care and craniofacial anomalies. A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and UCSF, she holds advanced credentials in pediatric dentistry, public health informatics, online teaching, and intercultural competence.

Board certified since 2009, Walker-Vinson's research focuses on pediatric dental health services, clinical innovation, and simulation training. An active member of various dental organizations, she is also an award-winning educator recognized for her contributions to teaching and mentorship.

Next Gen 2.0 Program

The IU Indianapolis Next Generation 2.0 program is a 9-month (September-May) leadership development program dedicated to the preparation of historically underrepresented faculty and staff for positions of leadership and opportunities for advancement in higher education. Established in 2015, the program builds upon the success of a previous 2009 leadership program, “Next Generation @IU Indianapolis” while drawing inspiration from the national HERS Institute model. The program is also aligned with IU Indianapolis Strategic Plan goals to “develop our faculty and staff” and “promote an inclusive campus climate.”

Next Gen 2.0 serves as a pathway to institutional leadership opportunities as it seeks to address the need for succession planning and for increasing diverse representation among administrative ranks. Program participants are identified as both emerging and established leaders interested in seeking leadership opportunities at IU Indianapolis or professional development to enhance their current administrative roles. The curriculum is designed to broaden their knowledge, skills, and experiences as members of the higher education community.

Apply to Next Gen 2.0

Acceptance into the Next Gen 2.0 program is a highly competitive and selective process. Applications are submitted either through nomination or self-nomination. A complete application includes:

  • The online application form
  • Candidate statement, inclusive of a capstone project idea
  • Current CV or resume (maximum 5 pages)
  • Letter of support from an academic dean, department chair, or supervising administrator

The application process is complete for the 2024-2025 Next Generation 2.0 Cohort. Please check next Spring for the 2025-2026 applications.

I was expecting to gain specific skills in areas of higher education; what I gained was a much better understanding of myself and how I approach leadership, which is more valuable to me…

Program Highlights

Components of Next Gen 2.0 include:

  • Personal assessment, reflection, and growth.
  • Career planning and professional development.
  • Connection to local and national thought leaders.
  • Peer mentorship and networking.
  • Project development and management.
  • Program assessment.

Curriculum is designed by the director in consultation with the Next Gen Advisory Board, a body of faculty, staff, administrative leaders, and Next Gen alumni. Board members and program alumni are invited to participate and lead program sessions and are available as resources for participants. Presenters are selected for their content expertise and the example they provide through their leadership. 

Participants engage with the curriculum through formal presentations, small group work, discussions, case studies, and workshops, fostering candid dialogue on contemporary higher education issues in a confidential setting. Topics include self-assessment, diversity, conflict management, finances, organizational culture, and change management. Advanced readings are provided for some sessions, and participants are encouraged to extend discussions through platforms like Meta and Canvas.

A key feature is the development of individual or group capstone projects, allowing participants to apply their learning to initiatives aligned with their unit's goals or campus strategies. 

Next Gen graduates receive a certificate recognizing their: 

  • Enhanced knowledge and skills for administrative or executive roles. 
  • Strategies for professional growth. 
  • Collaboration experience across disciplines.
  • Integration into a sustaining alumni network. 
  • Completion of a capstone project in consultation with unit leaders.

Participants complete pre- and post-curriculum surveys to assess leadership growth, and the program undergoes regular evaluation for continuous improvement.

I strongly feel that the program prepared me well for advancement through the academic administrative ranks. The experience was invaluable in expanding my vision and broadening my perspective.

Eligibility

Faculty and staff from historically underrepresented backgrounds in higher education and who seek advancement opportunities or wish to improve their leadership skills, may self-nominate or be nominated by deans, chairs, or department supervisors. Self-nominated applicants need to confirm the support of their supervisor and department funding. Chairs must consult with their deans in advance of a nomination.

Staff applicants must have at least two years of experience at IU Indianapolis and a current position at a career, advanced, operational, or senior operational level or higher.

Faculty must have worked at IU Indianapolis at least two years and be full-time lecturers, clinical, research, tenured or tenure-track, librarians, or employed as an academic specialist. 

The Next Gen Advisory Board and program leadership will select a cohort of at least 20 individuals, prioritizing the importance of assembling a diverse group of faculty and staff.

Cost

The unit's cost for participation is $1,500, with matching support provided by the Office of Academic Affairs. This fee includes expenses for instruction, materials, surveys, and meals. Upon a participant's acceptance into the program, deans and supervisors must confirm their understanding of the financial and time commitments involved.

Next Gen 2.0 was the catalyst to develop enduring professional relationships.  These connections have been vital to solving problems in my own unit, while imagining new possibilities beyond the confines of my current role.