Virginia Tech has intentionally moved beyond the traditional policy-heavy approach to department head orientation to employ a robust leadership development program for new and aspiring academic leaders and faculty. The annual program begins with a full-day workshop in mid-August, and continues throughout the fall semester with a series of shorter workshops and discussions designed to share leadership theory and content as well as build collaborative discussions supporting practical application. Building on principles foundational to Transformational Leadership, Authentic Leadership, and Self-Determination Theory, the program enjoys robust university-wide support and participation, and receives highly positive feedback from both participants and university leadership.