05/09/2026
Congratulations to our Director, Dr. McLeod for earning the Executive Certificate in Higher Education Leadership from Harvard University.
Check out his spotlight!
Professional Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education
David McLeod, Director of the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma, didn't come to Harvard looking for a credential.
It started with the Management Development Program. "Completing the MDP in 2023 literally transformed my approach to engaging with the science of leadership," McLeod says. Gaining practical skills in strategic thinking, systems analysis, and team development, he began applying what he learned immediately at the Zarrow School.
The next program he chose, Institutional Research and Data Leadership in Higher Education, expanded his data-driven approaches to strategic planning and workforce development. Crisis Leadership in Higher Education then reshaped how he led through emergencies and the persistent challenges facing Oklahoma communities. Where, as McLeod puts it, needs are both high and continually evolving. "I recognized a transition from passive learning to active implementation, and began applying newly acquired skills to real-world situations even before the course concluded."
The result: a school better equipped to address Oklahoma's mental health crisis, advanced workforce initiatives grounded in data, and a leader now advising organizations. "Making a bigger difference is what it’s all about, and the Executive Certificate in Higher Education Leadership has helped me take my game to the next level.”
Congratulations, McLeod. We're proud to have been part of your journey. 🎓
