UVA_HRCelebrate Carolyn Cullen and 10 years of Cultivating Leaders
The Cornerstone Program recently marked its 10-year anniversary with a celebration that brought together UVA President Jim Ryan, former program participants, mentors, and project sponsors from across the years. In his opening remarks, President Ryan praised Carolyn Cullen’s leadership, saying, “Carolyn has built this thriving and critical program for UVA that is really a model for all of higher education when it comes to leadership development.”
The event highlighted the program's lasting influence on both individuals and the University. As participants presented their final projects in September—often addressing priorities from the President's cabinet—the transformative power of the Cornerstone Program was clear. Ryan emphasized, "It helps people grow, learn new skills, and be prepared for new opportunities; at the same time, it helps UVA retain top talent."
Since its founding in 2014 and under Cullen’s guidance, the program has developed the leadership skills of over 315 employees across Grounds, spanning 10 cohorts and contributing to the successful completion of over 63 impactful projects for departments across Grounds. Cullen’s passion for nurturing growth has been at the core of the program’s success.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Cullen said, "Participants tell us that the connections they've made and the new skills they've gained help them feel more confident in driving change, fostering innovation, and solving problems at UVA. When a participant hears from leaders across the organization, one sees where their role fits and what future opportunities might be available."
Cornerstone—Community of Leaders and Learners
The Cornerstone Program offers a blend of leadership theory and practical experience. Each participant begins with a 360-degree feedback assessment and continues with monthly classroom sessions on leadership principles. Exposure to executive leadership and one-on-one mentoring further enhances the learning experience. Cullen explained, "Even for those who love their current role and aren’t looking for the next one, the desire to learn and grow is still important."
In fact, defining feature of the Cornerstone Program is its spirit of community and mentorship. Ryan noted, “The program builds bridges across the University, fostering collaboration. Past participants often return to serve as mentors, paying it forward to help future cohorts.” Over the past decade, 22 former participants have served as mentors, a testament to the program’s lasting impact.
Carolyn Cullen takes pride in the program’s long-term benefits. “Seeing someone learn a new skill or make a connection, then applying it to solve a problem—that brings me immense joy,” she said. This “pay it forward” ethos has become integral to the program, with past participants not only mentoring new cohorts but also nominating future projects.
Projects that Make Change
Team projects addressing real University challenges set the program apart. These projects, solicited from the President’s cabinet, are presented to senior leadership and often directly influence UVA’s operations. In his speech, President Ryan underscored the real-world impact of Cornerstone projects: “These are not hypothetical exercises—they are real challenges and opportunities, from managing a hybrid workforce to improving processes across the University.” For example, a recent project from Facilities Management (FM) surveyed FM employees to understand language diversity. The project team designed an ethical process to gather language data, identifying key needs for improving access and equity for staff.
FM’s Director of Operations Programs, Laura Duckworth, praised the Cornerstone team's efforts, noting a key question raised by the project: “How do we ensure individuals feel safe requesting applications or interviews in their preferred language at UVA?” As a result of the team’s work, FM is now expanding recruitment efforts in multiple languages, addressing barriers to staff access, advancement, equity, and inclusion.
The ten projects presented this year highlight various initiatives aimed at improving the University of Virginia’s infrastructure, student engagement, and staff development. Projects include efforts to support "some college, no degree" students by improving outreach (Project 1), guiding leadership in hybrid work environments (Project 2), and establishing sustainable procurement programs (Project 3). Other projects focus on enhancing staff learning and career development (Project 4), optimizing digital learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning (Project 5), and improving accessibility at the School of Architecture (Project 6). Additionally, initiatives to enhance event sharing (Project 7), support English Language Learners in Facilities Management (Project 8), revitalize the Observe@UVA shadowing program (Project 9), and launch a staff mentoring pilot program (Project 10) demonstrate UVA’s commitment to diversity, sustainability, and professional growth. Together, these projects align with UVA’s strategic goals of expanding educational opportunities, fostering collaboration, and creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Carolyn, Cornerstone, and the Future
Looking ahead, Carolyn Cullen envisions continued growth and outreach for the Cornerstone Program. “We want to help more people while maintaining the small cohort size that allows for a personalized experience. Connecting leaders with career development resources will benefit everyone,” she emphasizes.
As UVA innovates and develops its community, the Cornerstone Program will remain a driving force in shaping future leaders. Cullen’s vision, dedication, and leadership have established Cornerstone as a model for leadership development, not only at UVA but across higher education. “Being known as an incubator of talent here at UVA will come back tenfold. People will want to work for [the University] because they know their career ambitions will be supported,” she reflects.
In contemplating her decade of leadership in the Cornerstone Program, Cullen acknowledges the personal lessons learned along the way. “Over the years, I’ve realized that leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” she shares. “It’s about being curious, asking the right questions, and fostering an environment where others feel empowered to find solutions. This program has taught me that growth occurs when people have the space to explore their potential and the confidence to embrace new challenges. Watching participants transform not only as leaders but also as individuals has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
For Cullen, the Cornerstone Program is more than a professional achievement; it embodies the power of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. “Leadership is about more than just advancing your own career’” she concluded, “it’s about lifting others up, building community, and recognizing that your efforts contribute to something much bigger. That’s what keeps me inspired every day.”