Distinguished Leaders Fellowship
Upcoming Dates
Program Dates
Format
Time Commitment
Program Fee
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Overview
Discover a customizable journey designed for accomplished, late-career leaders who possess deep expertise and a desire to contribute. Instead of winding down, we help you master the complex transition — whether it’s launching a new venture, shifting your career path or focusing on community impact — ensuring you remain relevant, connected and driven in an ever-changing world.
Powered by the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning, this cohort-based fellowship is delivered over 10 months, featuring three residential modules with relevant electives and options to participate in the "best of UVA" experiences, as well as monthly virtual opportunities for learning and connection — plus ongoing online community beyond the program.
UPCOMING SESSION
Residential Module 1
Sunday, 13 September – Friday, 18 September 2026
Residential Module 2
Sunday, 3 January – Saturday, 9 January 2027
Residential Module 3
Sunday, 11 April – Friday, 16 April 2027
Intended For
Focus
Forge a New Path
At the core of this fellowship is customization, flexibility and connection designed to help you leverage your knowledge and experience, as well as discover new purpose and passion, to make the most of the next chapter. Take advantage of:
- Transition management - identifying your core values and purpose, adjusting your mindset, knowing and communicating your value, and building your personal brand
- Multi-directional mentorship - opportunities for engagement with both successful later-career transitioners and MBA students
- Comprehensive health and wellness - best practices and habits for longevity, daily wellness in practice
- Self-reflection - assessments, 1:1 coaching and peer support
- Community building - facilitated in-person and virtual networking (webinars, panels, social events, etc.) and an ongoing online community of peers
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Schedule & Topics
The fellowship includes three 1-week residential modules with monthly virtual modules in between. Modules and sessions will include:
Residential Module 1: Discovery
- Identifying Strengths & Values
- Decision Making
- Servant Leadership
- Leaving a Legacy
- Workshops on Designing Your Life and Finding Your Purpose
- Guest Speakers
- Daily Wellness & Exercise Activities
Residential Module 2: Possible UVA J-Term Course
Open to all UVA degree-seeking students to learn alongside fellowship participants to explore society's biggest ideas for the future. Benefits include:- Cross-generational insight
- Diverse thinking for innovation
- Mutual mentorship
- Purpose-driven collaboration
- Utilizing Darden and UVA faculty’s expertise; a pan-university collaboration
Residential Module 3:
- Trends in Tech (AI, Data Analysis, etc.)
- Intergenerational Communication
- Storytelling
- (Re)Branding Yourself
- Value of Presence
- Art and Science of Happiness
- Reclaiming Creativity
- Action Plan Presentations
- Guest Speakers & Peer Coaching
- Business Location Visit & Debrief
- Daily Wellness & Exercise Activities
Potential Virtual Workshops & Activities
- Webinars & Panel Discussions
- Writing & Publishing
- Nonprofit and Corporate Board Leadership
- Teaching & Facilitating in the Socratic Style
- Entrepreneurship
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Impact & Outcomes
- Gain clarity on strengths & values and alignment with purpose
- Develop your personal action plan
- Build a community of multi-generational peers for ongoing connection and support
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Participant Profile
Designed for accomplished individuals aged 50 and older who need help articulating and deciding on their next professional and personal steps, whether it is continuing to work, transitioning to a new career or pursuing other interests. The fellowship program is structured to address the needs of this "new market for L&D" that includes the growing population of professional adults aged 55-74.
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Location & Accommodations
Residential Modules
Location
Darden School of Business
100 Darden Blvd.
Charlottesville, VirginiaMaterials and some meals are also included in your program fee.
Accommodations
Lodging will be provided at our on-Grounds hotel for participants of this program as part of your program fee. If you register within 30 days of the program's first module start date, accommodations at The Forum Hotel cannot be guaranteed. Alternate lodging would be provided. We encourage you to register early to reserve your spot!
The Forum Hotel
Kimpton Charlottesville
UVA Darden
540 Massie Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22903Enjoy access to all the hotel’s perks during your stay, including morning coffee and tea service, on-site fitness center, Birch & Bloom steakhouse, The Good Sport craft beer bar and large outdoor terrace.
Anchored by the beautiful Tahija Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens with outdoor learning and reflection spaces, as well as state-of-the-art indoor classroom and event spaces, The Forum Hotel is the new home for Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programming.
The fellowship includes three 1-week residential modules with monthly virtual modules in between. Modules and sessions will include:
Residential Module 1: Discovery
- Identifying Strengths & Values
- Decision Making
- Servant Leadership
- Leaving a Legacy
- Workshops on Designing Your Life and Finding Your Purpose
- Guest Speakers
- Daily Wellness & Exercise Activities
Residential Module 2: Possible UVA J-Term Course
Open to all UVA degree-seeking students to learn alongside fellowship participants to explore society's biggest ideas for the future. Benefits include:
- Cross-generational insight
- Diverse thinking for innovation
- Mutual mentorship
- Purpose-driven collaboration
- Utilizing Darden and UVA faculty’s expertise; a pan-university collaboration
Residential Module 3:
- Trends in Tech (AI, Data Analysis, etc.)
- Intergenerational Communication
- Storytelling
- (Re)Branding Yourself
- Value of Presence
- Art and Science of Happiness
- Reclaiming Creativity
- Action Plan Presentations
- Guest Speakers & Peer Coaching
- Business Location Visit & Debrief
- Daily Wellness & Exercise Activities
Potential Virtual Workshops & Activities
- Webinars & Panel Discussions
- Writing & Publishing
- Nonprofit and Corporate Board Leadership
- Teaching & Facilitating in the Socratic Style
- Entrepreneurship
- Gain clarity on strengths & values and alignment with purpose
- Develop your personal action plan
- Build a community of multi-generational peers for ongoing connection and support
Designed for accomplished individuals aged 50 and older who need help articulating and deciding on their next professional and personal steps, whether it is continuing to work, transitioning to a new career or pursuing other interests. The fellowship program is structured to address the needs of this "new market for L&D" that includes the growing population of professional adults aged 55-74.
Residential Modules
Location
Darden School of Business
100 Darden Blvd.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Materials and some meals are also included in your program fee.
Accommodations
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Lodging will be provided at our on-Grounds hotel for participants of this program as part of your program fee. If you register within 30 days of the program's first module start date, accommodations at The Forum Hotel cannot be guaranteed. Alternate lodging would be provided. We encourage you to register early to reserve your spot!
The Forum Hotel
Kimpton Charlottesville
UVA Darden
540 Massie Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Enjoy access to all the hotel’s perks during your stay, including morning coffee and tea service, on-site fitness center, Birch & Bloom steakhouse, The Good Sport craft beer bar and large outdoor terrace.
Anchored by the beautiful Tahija Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens with outdoor learning and reflection spaces, as well as state-of-the-art indoor classroom and event spaces, The Forum Hotel is the new home for Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programming.
Earn Your Certificate
WILL THIS PROGRAM PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF CERTIFICATE THAT WE CAN PROMOTE HERE?
Your power to choose your direction of your life allows you to reinvent yourself, to change your future, and to powerfully influence the rest of creation.
Faculty
Elizabeth A. Powell
Julie Logan Sands Associate Professor of Business Administration, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Director, Compassionate Care Initiative
Martin N. Davidson
Johnson and Higgins Professor of Business Administration
