36 Higher Education Leaders to Convene in the Nation’s Capital for the Executive Leadership Academy

June 16, 2025

The prestigious Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) kicks off today to prepare seasoned leaders for their next senior administrative role in higher education. The first of two in-person seminars in the yearlong program runs June 16–17 in Washington, DC, and will be led by current and former college presidents along with experts in critical areas pertinent to higher education.

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) collaborate to offer ELA participants unparalleled learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

CIC and AASCU are pleased to announce the ELA cohort for the 2025–26 academic year after a highly selective application process. A total of 36 higher education leaders will take part in the program that prepares experienced provosts and vice presidents as the next generation of college and university presidents. These participants rose to the top among a competitive pool of applicants with each organization selecting 18 leaders from member institutions to ensure representation from both independent and state-supported colleges and universities.

Since its inception in 2009, over 100 individuals who have completed the ELA program have been appointed as presidents or chancellors of colleges and universities. The ELA program equips those moving into presidential and senior executive roles with the diverse skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing challenges of the higher educational landscape.

“At a time when working in higher education feels particularly challenging, the participants of the ELA program show how committed they are to the sector and their institutions,” said CIC President Marjorie Hass. “CIC is fortunate to partner with AALI and AASCU to provide this opportunity to leaders at our member institutions and prepare them for the challenges ahead.”

Some key features of the ELA program consist of a tailored professional experience plan aimed at addressing the specific skill and experience gaps of each participant; mentorship provided by the participant’s current president alongside the ELA program director;  guidance on the executive search process; and access to peer-led webinars, regional meetings, and cohort-wide activities. The ELA cohort will convene in June 2026 for a closing seminar in Washington, DC.

“In today’s higher education environment, it’s critical that future leaders are prepared, ready, and well-equipped to serve our growing student population and tackle the challenges that come with leading a college or university,” said AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch. “Together with CIC, and our partners at AALI, AASCU continues its commitment of providing senior executives with the wide-ranging skills and training they need to succeed.”

Individuals currently holding cabinet-level roles in any division of their institution are invited to apply to the ELA program. Nominations for the ELA for the 2026–27 academic year will commence in the fall, with selections to be revealed in March 2026.

View more information on the CIC program page or the AASCU program page.

2025–26 ELA Participants Selected by CIC

2025–26 ELA Participants Selected by AASCU