THE FOUR FORMATION INSTITUTES

Formation Institutes

The DLU Formation Institutes provide specialized learning experiences that support the doctoral residency journey. Each institute addresses a critical dimension of leadership development—from personal formation and governance to communication and economic sustainability—ensuring that leaders are equipped not only to envision impact, but to build and sustain it.

I. Archival Formation (Weeks 1–5)

Lead: Dr. Nina Talley | Co-Lecturer: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, EdD, PhD, D.Min

This institute establishes the foundation for doctoral formation by helping leaders uncover, organize, and interpret the experiences, influences, and insights that have shaped their calling. Through structured reflection and documentation, participants develop the narrative framework that informs their future work and leadership impact.

II. Leadership & Governance (Weeks 6–10)

Lead: Dr. Paul Thornton | Co-Lecturer: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, EdD, PhD, D.Min

This institute equips leaders with the principles, structures, and decision-making frameworks necessary for effective leadership and organizational stewardship. Participants explore governance, accountability, strategic leadership, and the systems required to sustain mission-driven initiatives over time.

III. Communication & Writer Formation (Weeks 11–17)

Lead: Dr. Obioma Martin | Co-Lecturer: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, EdD, PhD, D.Min

This institute develops the communication and writing competencies necessary for influence, scholarship, and leadership. Participants refine their voice, strengthen their ability to articulate vision, and learn to communicate ideas with clarity, credibility, and purpose across diverse audiences.

IV. Economic & Capital Development

Weeks 8–16 | Lead: Dr. Barbara Wright, PhD | Co-Lecturer: Dr. Daniel E. Haupt, EdD, PhD, D.Min

Formation IV equips doctoral residents with the complete capital readiness, organizational sustainability, and funding architecture needed to deploy their vision with financial legitimacy and long-term viability. Led by Dr. Barbara Wright — nationally recognized systems strategist, multimillion-dollar grant winner, and founder of Certified Dream Builder, Inc. — this Institute applies the 8 Streams of Organizational Income framework, PESTLE economic reality analysis, and the 7 Organizational Constraints theory to each resident's organization and 7 Mountains sphere.

Residents learn to write and submit fundable grant applications using the CDB All-In-One Logic Model and GrantProMax AI grant writing technology. Every resident leaves Formation IV with a submission-ready grant proposal, a sustainability plan, and a capital readiness portfolio presented at their Think Tank doctoral defense.