The ADVANCE Leadership Fellows Program at the University of Maryland is a yearlong professional development program for faculty aspiring to or recently engaged in leadership roles. Data shows an increase in participants' sense of agency to become academic leaders following the program. We use a comprehensive data set, including program evaluations, participant observations, and tracking of future leadership positions from 59 participants across three cohorts, to understand how and why the program enhances agency. Findings suggest that the program enhances knowledge and networks, provides theory to practice applications, and increases access to local leaders, all elements that positively impact faculty agency as academic leaders.