In-Person Program
Leadership Certificate
Program Overview
Courses in the Leadership Certificate offer a wealth of benefits for learners seeking to enhance their ability to lead effectively in professional and personal settings. These courses are designed to provide practical, actionable insights into leadership principles, making them accessible to learners at all levels of experience.
One of the key advantages is the development of essential leadership skills, such as communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and team management. You’ll learn how to inspire and motivate others, foster collaboration, and navigate challenges with confidence.
Taught by six established instructors with a track record of professional success.
Complete four core courses and four electives to earn the certificate.
Completed your coursework? Request a certificate of completion here.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Leadership courses encourage learners to assess their strengths and weaknesses, identify their leadership style, and develop strategies for improvement. This introspective approach helps learners build self-awareness and emotional intelligence—qualities that are critical for effective leadership.
Non-credit leadership courses also emphasize real-world application. Through exercises and group discussions, you’ll gain hands-on experience in addressing complex workplace scenarios. This practical focus ensures you can immediately apply your new skills to your current roles.
Overall, these courses empower learners to become more confident, capable leaders who can drive positive change within their organizations and communities.
Program Courses and electives
Please click the course title below for details.
Core Courses:
Electives:
LinkedIn: Making It Work for You (Nov. 6, 2025)
NEW! The Energy Bus (Nov. 18, 2025)
Understanding Emotional Intelligence & Performance (Nov. 19, 2025)
Note: 2026 courses will be announced in early December.
Student Testimonial
Through the Landscape & Garden Design Certificate, I was able to cultivate the skills and best techniques necessary to properly design and install my own landscape and hardscape concepts. Moreover, I acquired a much more expansive knowledge of local resources, including the instructor’s extensive proprietary plant selection list for our East Tennessee growing zones, which truly made my dream garden outstanding.
Mary Woody, Former Landscape and Design Certificate Student
Meet Your Instructors
Naomi Asher
Naomi Asher is executive director of the United Way of Anderson County. She is a graduate of Johnson University, where she double majored in music and theology. Asher also earned an M.B.A. in marketing from King University.
She is the Chief Development Officer for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
Paul Boyles
Paul Boyles is the president of Paul Boyles Executive Coaching, LLC. He has more than 35 years of progressive experience in human resources within the manufacturing, government, and hotel/casino industries. Boyles earned a B.S. degree in management at the University of Scranton.
Kelly Drummond
Dr. Kelly Drummond is a certified professional in human resources through the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management. As the current director of human resources with the City of Knoxville, Drummond administers the compensation/classification system, talent acquisition, pre-employment processes, employee training, employee relations, succession planning, and assists directors in employee discipline.
She previously worked as the vice president of human resource and leadership development with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and the executive director of human resources for Knox County Schools. She also served as a national trainer for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and facilitated national trainings on leadership, human resources development, employee motivation, and personal effectiveness. Drummond earned a doctorate degree in education with a concentration in human resource development from Lincoln Memorial University.
Alexia Georghiou
Alexia Georghiou is a recognized leadership and organizational development consultant who partners with executives to implement values-driven strategies that strengthen culture, enhance performance, and sustain organizational resilience. She is the founder of the Knoxville Happiness Coalition—SHRM Recertification Provider for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
Her book, The Future of Work is Human and the Future of Success is Happiness, has been featured at SHRM25, SHRM Talent, TN HR Conference & Expo, and TECTA East Leadership Conference.
Through her V.A.L.U.E.S. Model—Vision, Action, Leadership, Unity, Engagement, and Synthesis—Alexia helps leaders align performance with purpose. She advises executives and HR leaders, writes, and speaks on human-centered leadership rooted in positive psychology.
Randy Harms
Randy Harms has more than 30 years of successful sales, management, and coaching experience. Harms earned a bachelor’s degree in business management at North Carolina Wesleyan College.
Tammie Smeltzer
Tammie Smeltzer is a Talent Development Training Specialist for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, collaborating with key stakeholders to design, develop, facilitate, and coordinate the delivery of professional development programs. She has worked for more than 25 years in adult education. Smeltzer is also a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant with more than 20 years of service. She holds a master’s degree in adult education.
Register Today
Call 865-974-0150 if you need registration assistance.
