The University of Memphis will host the Freight Transportation Leadership Academy sponsored by the Intermodal Freight Transportation Institute this summer.
The academy begins April 28, ends July 30 and will take place in the Herff College of Engineering’s Executive Training Center.
It will meet for three days at the end of each month. In each session, they will cover one of the different modes of transportation: rail, road, runway and river. The Intermodal Freight Transportation Institute’s purpose is to address issues surrounding the planning, design and operation of the country’s freight systems, according to their website.
They have been nationally recognized for the research and education provided. Participants in the program will learn about the national freight network and how it effects the national economy, as well as learn leadership, communication and networking skills. Johnny Bow, 23, civil engineering sophomore from Oakland, TN, plans to attend the academy this summer.
“One of my professors told me it would be a great chance to meet some people in the same field as me,” Bow said. “I’m not very good at leading a group, so I’m hoping to learn how to be better at leading.”
The cost per participant to attend the academy is $5,000, which will cover classroom materials, most meals and individual professional coaching time. Travel to the academy and lodging are not provided, and each participant must make their own arrangements.
“One thing I don’t like is that I have to pay for my own hotel, but I plan to crash on my friend’s couch if I don’t just drive back and forth from home,” Bow said.
