Since 1989, more than 1,650 new presidents have participated in CIC’s New Presidents Program. The NPP provides the relevant tools and wise counsel that keep a young presidency on a smooth course. The agenda focuses on the practical needs and resources to help participants avoid early pitfalls while capitalizing on the opportunities that the first year represents. Ample opportunities for formal and informal conversations allow participants to build community.
Barbara Altmann, CIC Senior Advisor and Director, New Presidents Program and President Emerita, Franklin & Marshall College (PA)
Letter from the Director
Welcome to the CIC family! I am pleased to invite you to participate in the 2026 New Presidents Program (NPP) on January 3–4 in Orlando, Florida. As you launch your presidency, I hope you will join this interactive, practical, and network-building program, with its dynamic parallel program for new presidential spouses and partners.
The NPP immediately precedes CIC’s 2026 Presidents Institute, which is by far the largest annual meeting of college and university presidents in the country. This year’s Institute theme is “A Deeper Purpose.” In community, we will explore strategies that empower campuses to fulfill meaningful missions, provide opportunities, and remain resolute in serving the common good. I encourage you to make participating in the full Presidents Institute a cornerstone of your early presidency.
Over the years, I have served as a faculty member and administrator at a mid-sized public R1 university, as the provost for a small independent university, and I just retired as president of Franklin & Marshall College, one of the oldest US liberal arts colleges. My years at F&M have coincided with what we all recognize as a particularly turbulent time. The president role has changed significantly and become much more challenging. The CIC NPP was intensely helpful to me in my first year, as I learned in the company of peers and great coaches. Now, the need for information, new ideas, an understanding of best practices, moral support, and a network of trusted advisors is even more important. Please join us! We will make it an excellent investment of your time.
Please contact me by email at baltmann@cic.edu or by phone at (541) 954-0633 with any questions you may have about the 2026 New Presidents Program.
I look forward to seeing you in January.
Barbara K. Altmann
CIC Senior Advisor and Director, New Presidents Program
President Emerita, Franklin & Marshall College (PA)
“I cordially invite you to a great opportunity to gather in the spirit of learning, inspiration, and mutual and shared support.”
Marjorie Hass, President, CIC
CIC is grateful to Ellucian for its ongoing support of the New Presidents Program.
“The New Presidents Program was the most impactful professional development opportunity I have experienced since assuming the responsibilities of president. Hearing from other presidents who are wrestling with the same issues I have encountered—and learning about the diverse approaches they have taken to address them—broadened my perspectives and allowed me to bring back valuable insights to campus that have informed our decision-making processes and enhanced our strategies.”
Matthew J. Draud, President, Briar Cliff University (IA)
Program Features
Participants point to these features as particularly valuable:
Presenters are current or recently retired CIC presidents and spouses or partners who understand the needs of their new colleagues.
Professional networks are created as participants build relationships with colleagues who often continue to serve as informal advisors.
The program makes efficient use of time and represents excellent value.
Trusting friendships are established among participants providing confidential support and counsel on the most sensitive and consequential issues.
“The New Presidents Program was an invaluable professional development opportunity. The sessions were practical, and the presenters were candid in sharing their experiences and perspectives. The camaraderie among my peers helped me build meaningful connections with a cadre of fellow presidents. I left feeling prepared and supported—exactly what a new president needs.”
Anne Kenworthy, President, Spalding University (KY)
Registration Information
The 2026 New Presidents Program will be held just prior to CIC’s Presidents Institute in Orlando, FL.
Dates: January 3–4 (just prior to CIC’s Presidents Institute on January 4–7)
To register, and for additional information about the hotel, travel arrangements, and the Presidents Institute program, please visit the 2026 Presidents Institute site.
Please Note: First register for the Presidents Institute and sign up for the New Presidents Program as a session. An email will then be sent to the person completing the registration which includes hotel reservation details and a code to make a room reservation at the CIC discounted rate.
Registration opens: August 7 Registration deadline: December 2 Registration fee: $490 for presidents, $375 for spouses and partners (includes all meals and session materials)
For assistance, please contact Alonso De Los Rios, conference coordinator, at adelosrios@cic.edu or (202) 553-8973.
“The New Presidents Program was for me a personal investment with a real return. Beyond the tremendous learning opportunities from the program curriculum, building relationships with the network of presidents continues to provide authentic, real-time support that has been invaluable.”
Donald W. Comer, Interim President, Lane College (TN)
Campus leadership support and development is a key CIC priority. View a growing list of resources primarily intended for first-time presidents of a CIC type college and university.
The Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve near the Walt Disney World Resort. Amenities include 12 restaurants, full-service spa, golf course, and three-acre pool with a lazy river. Adjacent to the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is the Waldorf Astoria Orlando with additional dining options.
Location: Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Orlando, FL
Hotel room rate: $245 single/double per night (includes Wi-Fi and complimentary fitness center use)
Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program
CIC’s Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program (SPoNPP) runs concurrently with the New Presidents Program prior to the Presidents Institute. The vision of the SPoNPP is for participants to:
Enhance their understanding of the role of presidential spouse or partner
Engage in fellowship with others serving in the same role
Acquire tools for success in the role
This program provides a supportive, intimate, and confidential environment to navigate new challenges and opportunities of the spouse and partner role. A small team of experienced presidential spouses leads the group through a comprehensive exploration of the role and how to serve effectively and with personal fulfillment.
Participants in the Spouses and Partners of New Presidents Program are strongly encouraged to register also for the Spouses and Partners Program offered during the Presidents Institute January 4–7. The Spouses and Partners Program addresses a wider variety of topics, many more practically oriented.
“As someone in the first few months of a first presidency, this program was incredibly valuable, both for the just-in-time practical content we received as well as for the development of a cohort of peers who understood in a very direct way all the challenges I was facing. The sessions were fun and engaging, and the whole experience felt like a success booster. In just a few days, I made friends with other presidents who have become a great peer support group for me. I am also very glad to be part of the CIC network: in my first few months as a member, I have found the organization impressive, and I have taken advantage of every opportunity offered. I plan to deepen my CIC connection.”
Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, President, Thomas College (ME)
