Megan A. Allison is the Director of the Leadership and Innovation Institute and an Assistant Professor of Leadership. She also serves as the Director of Air University’s Quality Enhancement Plan. She graduated with a BS from the University of Virginia in Civil Engineering, an MBA from the University of Nebraska in Leadership, and an MS from the College of Naval Command & Staff in National Security & Strategic Studies. She teaches courses at ACSC, SNCOA, AFJAGS, OTS and more.
Research Interests/Expertise: leadership development, emotional intelligence, generational diversity, ethical leadership, design thinking and wellness.
Selected Courses Taught: Leadership & The Profession of Arms, Leadership in Command, Wellness: The Art & Science of Self-Care
Jayson A. Altieri is an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Director of Outreach at the Leadership and Innovation Institute. He graduated with BA from the Norwich University in Criminal Justice, an MA from Army War College in National Security Policy, an MA from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies in Air and Space Studies, and an MA from Air Command and Staff in Military Arts and Sciences. He previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG), Civil Air Patrol (CAP) from 2012 to 2018 and was responsible for advising the Secretary of the Air Force and providing strategic oversight of CAP’s 56,000 members, 560 aircraft, and $42-million budget.
Research Interests/Expertise: Aerospace History, Aerospace Management, American Civil War History, Federal Emergency Management, National Security Strategy.
Selected Courses Taught: Leadership Development Course for Squadron Command, Strategic Leaders Foundation, National Security Strategy: War, Statecraft, and Military Instruments of Power.
Andrew S. Clayton, EdD is an Assistant Professor of Leadership at the Leadership and Innovation Institute and serves as the Director of Immersive Learning and Simulations Research Task Force for Air University. He graduated with a BS from Purdue University in Aviation Administration, an MA from the University of Phoenix in Adult Education and Training, an MS from Air University in Military Operational Art and Science, and an EdD from Grand Canyon University in Organizational Leadership. He teaches courses at AWC, ACSC, AU Global Campus, and the Ira C. Eaker Center. He is also a Lt Col and Reservist in the United States Air Force. His research and teaching have been recognized for excellence, including best education paper at I/ITSEC and the General Muir S. Fairchild Educational Achievement Award for most significant contribution to Air Force education.
Research Interests/Expertise: leadership development, emotional intelligence, resilience, immersive technology (VR, AR, MR, XR), and immersive technology learning theories.
Selected Courses Taught: Leadership Development Course, Leadership and the Profession of Arms 1 & 2, International Security, Joint Campaigning, Immersive Learning/Simulations.
Steven B. Davis, PhD is an Associate Professor of Leadership at the Leadership and Innovation Institute and Director of Faculty Development for the Leader Development Course. He completed his BA at Texas A&M University in Sociology, an MA from the Universität Bremen, Germany in Global History, and returned to Texas A&M to complete his PhD in History. He teaches a variety of courses on leadership and 20th century war and society at the Ira C. Eaker Center, AWC, and ACSC, and gives invited guest lectures and seminars around Air University and the Air Force. His recent research offers multiple frameworks for leadership teaching and learning methodologies, course design, and faculty development. His teaching, research, and service has earned over a dozen awards at Air University, including the Eaker Center’s Educator and Researcher of the Year.
Research Interests/Expertise: leader development, leadership coaching, self and organizational change, faculty development, collective memory and identity, war and society development, history.
Selected Courses Taught: Leader Development Course for Squadron Command, Leadership Horizons: Accelerating Change for Self and Others, Dark Side of Leadership, Rise and Fall of Nazi Germany.
John M. Hinck, PhD is an Associate Professor of Leadership and Deputy Director-Education at the Leadership and Innovation Institute. He also serves as the Director of Leadership Coaching and the Director of Curriculum for LDC. He has a BA in Aviation Management from California State University, Fresno, an MS in Administration from Central Michigan University, an MMAS from the US Army Command & General Staff College, and a PhD in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego. He teaches electives and core courses at AWC and ACSC, and his publications include books and articles on leadership, coaching, communication, and teaching/learning. His teaching, research, and leadership have been recognized by receiving the SECAF Leadership Award, AU Civilian of the Year, and the Ira C. Eaker Center’s Research Excellence Award.
Research Interests/Expertise: leadership, leader development, organizational leadership, leading groups/teams, organizational commitment, and leadership coaching.
Selected Courses Taught: Leader Development Course for Squadron Command, Leadership Development, Leadership in Command, Accelerating Change for Self and Others, Dark Side of Leadership.
Robert S. Hinck, PhD is an Associate Professor of Leadership and Director of Research at the Leadership and Innovation Institute. He also serves as Deputy Director of Air University’s Quality Enhancement Plan. He graduated with a BA in Public Policy from the University of Michigan, an MA in Communication Studies from Central Michigan University, and a PhD from Texas A&M University in Communication. He teaches courses at AWC, ACSC, and the Ira C. Eaker Center. He is lead author of two books, the most recent entitled “The Future of Global Competition: Ontological Security Narratives Chinese, Iranian, Russian, and Venezuelan Media.” His teaching and research have been recognized for excellence at multiple institutions; including the Eaker Center’s Educator of the Year.
Research Interests/Expertise: leadership development, ethics, international communication, argumentation, strategic narratives, organizational rhetoric.
Selected Courses Taught: Leadership Development Course for Squadron Command, International Security 1, International Security 2, Propaganda, Strategic Narratives; Ethical Decision-Making Workshops.
Sara R. Kitsch, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Leadership at the Leadership and Innovation Institute and Co-Director of Faculty Development for the Leader Development Course for Squadron Command. She graduated with a BS from Central Michigan University in Psychology, an MA from Central Michigan University in Communication Studies, and a PhD from Texas A&M University in Communication. She teaches courses at AWC, ACSC, and the Ira C. Eaker Center. She is author of multiple academic articles with her research having won top paper awards at National Conventions.
Research Interests/Expertise: rhetoric, public memory, strategic communication, and leader development.
Selected Courses Taught: Leader Development Course for Squadron Command, Landscape of US Public Memory, Leadership & The Profession of Arms.