Utah Department of Corrections Partners With USU to Develop Leadership Training
Glen Haas, director of USU's Correctional Leadership Development Program, conducts training for UDC officers at USU Salt Lake in Sept. 2024.
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — The Utah Department of Corrections has partnered with Utah State University’s Criminal Justice program to launch a new leadership training initiative designed specifically for corrections officers. This innovative partnership, offered through USU Salt Lake, aims to strengthen leadership skills and enhance the management capabilities of correctional employees across the state.
"We're bringing together a fantastic group of instructors, all experienced practitioners, to provide advanced leadership training tailored to the needs of the Utah Department of Corrections," said Glen Haas, director of USU’s Correctional Leadership Development Program. "I'm very excited about what this program will bring to UDC and the partnership [with] USU. The enthusiasm for this training is remarkable and refreshing."
The Correctional Leadership Development Program offers 160 hours of instruction across four week-long modules. Addressing contemporary corrections challenges through a progression of leadership philosophies, decision-making frameworks, and organizational culture strategies, the curriculum includes topics such as critical incident management, ethics, and media relations to help participants confidently navigate the complexities of leadership roles within the corrections field.
The first cohort, which began on Sept. 9, 2024, consists of 30 supervisors and managers from various divisions within the UDC, including corrections officers, parole and probation officers, and administrative personnel. Participants will receive 18 units of academic credit from USU, with the course to be offered each fall and spring semester.
UDC’s Assistant Deputy Executive Director Spencer Turley emphasized the importance of the program and praised USU for its collaboration with the agency.
“Utah State University has been a remarkable partner in coming to the table with new ideas and new ways to help our people understand some leadership capabilities,” Turley said.
Held at USU Salt Lake in Taylorsville, the program, which is administered through the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, offers participants an opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions, practical exercises, and real-world simulations. The goal is to create a robust leadership pipeline, empowering correctional management personnel with the insights and tools necessary to lead their teams effectively.
The Utah Department of Corrections views this program as a significant step in equipping its leadership with the skills required to face modern challenges and cultivate a culture of excellence within the department.
In addition to teaching crucial skills, Turley hopes the new training will help UDC employees build stronger networks.
“They’re [going to] have renewed friendships and relationships within the agency,” he said. “That will really help us moving forward.”
For more information on USU’s Correctional Leadership Development Program or to inquire about future training sessions, please visit https://chass.usu.edu/criminal-justice/cldp/.
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