# CLER Roles and Research Pathways ![Business people gathered together in a group](/research/leadership-entrepreneurial-research/cler-roles-and-research-pathways/_jcr_content/root/container_14213_copy/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_copy_copy/container_329734093/image.coreimg.jpeg/1781820807882/cler-professional-colleagues-sharing-a-moment.jpeg) June 18, 2026 • 5 minutes ## Exploring opportunities to engage CLER The Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Research offers several pathways for alumni, faculty, scholars, practitioners, and emerging researchers to participate in the work of the center. These roles are designed to support research, publication, professional visibility, scholarly collaboration, and practitioner-oriented contributions aligned with CLER’s mission. CLER roles are voluntary, contribution-based pathways that recognize meaningful engagement with the center. They are not employment appointments, faculty appointments, or compensated positions unless separately approved through formal University of Phoenix processes. Each role is intended to create a clear structure for collaboration while supporting the center’s broader work in leadership, entrepreneurship, organizational research, and applied scholarship. Individuals interested in serving in one of these roles are encouraged to contact CLER leadership to discuss fit, current opportunities, expectations, and possible ways to contribute. ## Fellow in Residence The Fellow in Residence role is designed for University of Phoenix alumni, faculty, and center-connected scholars who wish to remain actively engaged with the Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Research. Fellows in Residence contribute to the intellectual and scholarly life of CLER through research, writing, presentations, mentoring, conference activity, publication development, and other center-aligned initiatives. This role recognizes an ongoing scholarly relationship with CLER and is especially suited for individuals who want to stay connected to the research center through meaningful academic, practitioner-oriented, or applied research activity. ### Possible Contributions Fellows in Residence may contribute through: - Research collaboration - Manuscript or article development - Conference proposals or presentations - Blog or white paper contributions - Mentoring emerging scholars - Participation in CLER initiatives - Support for special projects or research center activities - Collaboration with other fellows, faculty, students, or alumni ### Expectations and Qualifications Fellows in Residence may hold the designation for as long as they remain meaningfully engaged with CLER. The role is flexible and voluntary, but it is intended to reflect an active scholarly relationship with the center rather than a passive listing on the website. Fellows are encouraged to participate in at least one CLER-related contribution or initiative each academic year. This may include publishing, research collaboration, conference activity, mentoring, blog writing, panel participation, or another center-aligned scholarly contribution. While the Fellow in Residence title may support an individual’s professional visibility and curriculum vitae, the designation is grounded in reciprocal engagement. Fellows are expected to remain responsive to reasonable center communication and to seek opportunities to contribute to the intellectual and scholarly life of CLER. To be listed publicly as a Fellow in Residence, individuals must provide current biographical information and sign the appropriate consent or release form allowing CLER and the University of Phoenix to use their name, photo, profile, and related professional information on the center website and associated research center materials. CLER leadership may periodically review Fellow in Residence participation to ensure that listed fellows remain active, appropriately represented, and aligned with the center’s mission. ## Affiliate Fellow The Affiliate Fellow role is designed for accomplished external scholars, practitioners, consultants, executives, educators, or thought leaders who are not University of Phoenix alumni but wish to contribute meaningfully to CLER’s research, writing, networks, and practitioner-oriented scholarship. This designation provides a clear pathway for exceptional outside collaborators to engage with CLER while remaining distinct from Fellow in Residence roles connected to University of Phoenix alumni, faculty, or center-based scholarly activity. ### Possible Contributions Affiliate Fellows may contribute through: - Research collaboration - Blog or article development - White papers - Practitioner-scholarship projects - Panel participation - Conference proposals - Special initiatives - Mentoring or professional insight - Applied leadership or entrepreneurship projects - Strategic connections with external scholarly or professional communities ### Expectations and Qualifications Affiliate Fellows are invited into the CLER ecosystem as recognized collaborators who support the center’s mission of advancing leadership, entrepreneurship, organizational research, and practitioner-oriented scholarship. This role is flexible and project-based. Affiliate Fellows may contribute in ways that align with their expertise, availability, and the center’s current needs. Because the role represents an affiliation with CLER, Affiliate Fellows are expected to maintain professional communication, contribute in good faith to agreed-upon activities, and support work that aligns with CLER’s mission and standards. To be listed publicly as an Affiliate Fellow, individuals must provide current biographical information and sign the appropriate consent or release form allowing CLER and the University of Phoenix to use their name, photo, profile, and related professional information on the center website and associated research center materials. CLER leadership may periodically review Affiliate Fellow participation to ensure that the relationship remains active, accurate, and aligned with the center’s mission. ## Research Associate The Research Associate role is a project-based pathway for doctoral students, emerging scholars, alumni, early-career researchers, or other qualified contributors who wish to support CLER research activity. Research Associates assist with defined scholarly tasks under the guidance of CLER leadership, faculty collaborators, fellows, or project leads. This role is especially appropriate for individuals seeking experience in research development, scholarly writing, data organization, literature review, coding, conference preparation, or publication support. ### Possible Contributions Research Associates may support CLER through: - Literature reviews - Data organization - Coding or qualitative analysis support - Survey or instrument preparation - Citation and reference support - Manuscript preparation - Conference proposal development - Research project coordination - Background research for articles, white papers, or presentations - Support for special research center initiatives ### Expectations and Qualifications Research Associates are expected to contribute to clearly defined projects or tasks. The role may vary in scope depending on the needs of the center and the individual’s experience, skill level, and availability. Research Associates should demonstrate reliability, professionalism, attention to detail, respect for scholarly standards, and willingness to receive guidance. When working on research projects, Research Associates are expected to follow applicable ethical, institutional, and project-specific guidelines. This role does not automatically imply authorship, publication credit, employment, or long-term appointment. Authorship, acknowledgment, or contributor recognition will depend on the nature and extent of the individual’s contribution and applicable scholarly standards. To be listed publicly as a Research Associate, individuals must provide current biographical information and sign the appropriate consent or release form allowing CLER and the University of Phoenix to use their name, photo, profile, and related professional information on the center website and associated research center materials. ## CLER Blog Managing Editor & Curating Series Editor The CLER Blog Managing Editor & Curating Series Editor role supports the development, organization, and quality of practitioner-oriented blog contributions submitted through the Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Research. This role serves as an initial editorial point of contact for individuals interested in contributing blog-based scholarship connected to leadership, entrepreneurship, organizational impact, and applied research. This role may also include curating a named CLER blog series, such as_The Leadership Pantheon: Practitioner Deep-Dives_, which focuses on translating scholarly leadership insights into practical guidance for everyday execution. ### Possible Contributions The CLER Blog Managing Editor & Curating Series Editor may support the center by: - Reviewing incoming blog ideas - Communicating with prospective contributors - Helping authors refine article concepts - Supporting development of clear, evidence-informed submissions - Encouraging practitioner-relevant scholarship - Coordinating blog flow and editorial readiness - Writing or co-writing blog contributions - Inviting contributors from scholarly, professional, or global networks - Curating a named blog series within CLER - Preparing pieces for final review by CLER leadership ### Expectations and Qualifications This role is intended for an individual with strong writing, editorial, scholarly, and communication skills. The role requires the ability to help contributors develop accessible, evidence-informed, practitioner-relevant content while maintaining alignment with CLER’s mission and standards. The Blog Managing Editor may serve as the first point of contact for CLER blog submissions, but final publication decisions remain with CLER leadership. All blog submissions, series contributions, and public-facing content developed through this role are subject to final review and approval by CLER leadership prior to publication. When curating a named series, the editor may help shape the identity, themes, contributor network, and publication rhythm of that series. Named series must remain aligned with CLER’s mission, University of Phoenix standards, and the broader goals of the College of Doctoral Studies. To be listed publicly in this role, the individual must provide current biographical information and sign the appropriate consent or release form allowing CLER and the University of Phoenix to use their name, photo, profile, and related professional information on the center website and associated research center materials. ## General Participation Guidelines All CLER roles are grounded in professional engagement, scholarly contribution, and alignment with the mission of the Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Research. Participation may vary based on the individual’s role, availability, expertise, and current center needs. Individuals serving in CLER roles are expected to: - Communicate professionally and respectfully - Remain responsive to reasonable center communication - Contribute to activities aligned with the center’s mission - Represent CLER and the University of Phoenix appropriately - Follow applicable ethical, scholarly, and institutional guidelines - Provide accurate biographical and professional information - Complete any required consent or release forms before public listing - Understand that final decisions regarding publication, website placement, and role designation remain with CLER leadership CLER leadership may periodically review all public role listings to ensure that information remains current, participation remains active, and role designations accurately reflect each individual’s relationship with the center. ## How to Get Involved Individuals interested in becoming involved with CLER are invited to contact the Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Research to discuss current opportunities, role fit, and possible pathways for contribution. Potential contributors may be asked to provide a brief biography, areas of scholarly or professional interest, a current photo, relevant credentials, and a statement of interest describing how they hope to contribute to CLER’s mission. CLER welcomes individuals who are committed to advancing leadership, entrepreneurship, organizational research, and practitioner-oriented scholarship through meaningful collaboration, inquiry, and applied impact. [Inquire](mailto:rodney.luster@phoenix.edu)