Since 1989, more than 1,700 new presidents have participated in CIC’s New Presidents Program. The program provides the relevant tools and wise counsel that keep a young presidency on a smooth course while strengthening the mission-driven, student-centered work that defines independent higher education. The agenda focuses on practical needs and resources to help participants avoid early pitfalls while capitalizing on immediate opportunities. Ample time for formal and informal conversation allows participants to build community with peers who understand the distinctive opportunities and constraints of leading an independent institution.
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 2027 New Presidents Program on January 3–4 in San Diego, California. As you launch your presidency, I hope you will join this interactive, practical, network-building program, with its dynamic parallel program for new presidential spouses and partners.
The New Presidents Program immediately precedes CIC’s 2027 Presidents Institute, which is by far the largest annual meeting of college and university presidents in the country. This year’s Presidents Institute theme is Human Horizons. Presidents of independent colleges and universities from around the world and their spouses and partners will come together with other experts to reimagine the ways we champion human flourishing amidst the impersonal pressures of economic and technological change. I encourage you to make participating in both the New Presidents Program and Presidents Institute a priority of your early presidency.
Over the years, I have served as a faculty member and administrator at a public R1 university, as provost at a small independent university, and, until my recent retirement, as president of Franklin & Marshall College (PA), one of the oldest US liberal arts colleges. My years at F&M coincided with what we all recognize as a particularly turbulent time. We at CIC are keenly aware of how much the president’s role has changed and how challenging it has become. Participating in CIC’s New Presidents Program was immensely helpful to me in my first year, as I learned in the company of peers and experienced president-coaches. Now more than ever, presidents need information, new ideas, an understanding of best practices, moral support, and a network of trusted advisors and friends. 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 2027 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:
The program makes efficient use of time and represents excellent value.
Presenters are current or recently retired CIC presidents and spouses or partners who understand the needs of their new colleagues.
New presidents create professional networks with colleagues who often continue to serve as informal advisors as their institutions evolve and their leadership needs change.
Participants develop friendships with trusted peers who can provide confidential support and counsel on sensitive and consequential issues.
“The CIC New Presidents Program was both timely and invaluable. It provided the kind of candid counsel, practical insight, and peer connection that every new president needs, especially when leading through complexity and change. The program helped me think more strategically about governance, institutional culture, board relationships, and the early decisions that shape a presidency. I left with greater clarity, a stronger network of colleagues, and a deeper sense that while every presidency is unique, no president has to navigate the work alone.”
Shantay Bolton, President and CEO, Columbia College Chicago (IL)
Registration Information
The 2027 New Presidents Program will be held just prior to CIC’s Presidents Institute in San Diego, CA.
Dates: January 3–4 (leading into 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 2027 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 5 Registration deadline: December 1 Registration fee: $500 for presidents, $385 for spouses and partners (includes all meals and session materials)
For assistance, please contact CIC’s conference coordinator, at ccordinator@cic.edu.
“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, President, Lane College (TN)
Campus leadership development and support 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 Hilton San Diego Bayfront is located above San Diego Bay and steps from Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Amenities include multiple restaurants, full-service spa, fitness center, and a pool.
Location: Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego, CA
Hotel room rate: $279 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 runs alongside the New Presidents Program just before the Presidents Institute.
The experience is designed to help participants:
Deepen their understanding of the presidential spouse or partner role
Build lasting connections with others who share similar responsibilities
Discover practical tools and insights for success and personal fulfillment in the role.
This special program for spouses and partners of new presidents offers a warm, supportive, and confidential space to explore both the joys and challenges of this unique journey. Guided by a small team of experienced presidential spouses, participants engage in thoughtful conversations and activities that illuminate how to serve with confidence, grace, and authenticity.
Participants are warmly encouraged to also join the Spouses and Partners Program activities during the Presidents Institute (January 4–7). This complementary program expands the conversation to a wider range of topics—many focused on practical strategies for thriving in campus and community life.
“Being a new presidential spouse is learning to play a role for which you didn’t audition. This is what makes the CIC program so helpful. You realize that you’re not alone and others are trying to figure it out, too. Supported by some wise and experienced guides, you also discover that not only can you do this, but there are a lot of different ways in which it can be done. I learned so much from this program and I recommend it highly.”
Travis Tamerius, Presidential Spouse, Meredith College (SC)
