The CLA traces its origins back to 2014, when retired Paducah Assistant Chief of Police Brian Krueger realized the need for the program following racial violence in numerous cities. A short time later, an advisory council was formed in 2015 with faculty from Murray State's department of educational studies, leadership, and counseling, who began to meet with members of the Paducah Police Department.
Dr. Teresa Clark, associate professor of Murray State University, leads the CLA along with Dr. Landon Clark, coordinator for the Univesrity's human development and leadership program.
The program's curriculum focuses on numerous topics including intercultural leadership, social intelligence, and nonverbal communication, ethical practices and community interaction, with the goal of enhancing cultural competence in the Paducah Police Department. CLA traditionally holds two one-week sessions annually at the Murray State Paducah Regional Campus.
The CLA's fifth cohort is scheduled to begin training August 31, following the temporary postponement due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"Landon and I value our partnership with the Paducah Police Department through the Cultural Leadership Academy," Teresa said. "We look forward to teaching a new cohort of law enforcement professionals this fall, as we commemorate the fifth year of the program."
You can learn more about the Cultural Leadership Academy, including how your local agency can participate, by contacting Teresa at 270-809-6956.
