About the Academy
The Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) is a yearlong program cosponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) to prepare experienced provosts and vice presidents to move to positions of greater responsibility, including presidencies. Participants will acquire knowledge, skills, and experiences germane to the responsibilities and activities central to the work of a president or other senior-level leader. The program assumes that participants will remain in their current positions throughout the program.
Developing the Next Generation of Presidents
The president’s role, as well as that of other senior administrators, has changed. It now requires an understanding of all aspects of the institution—from enrollment to endowment management and from governmental to alumni relations—not to mention inclusion and belonging, athletics, fundraising, marketing, student affairs, strategic planning, and financial management. The president’s necessary expertise also has expanded beyond institutional borders, to include regulatory and legislative issues and crisis communications.
Further, it is more essential than ever that the pipeline of senior leaders prepares a diverse range of candidates from all backgrounds to succeed. ELA develops the wide-ranging skills that new presidents and senior executives will need to meet the challenges of today’s educational environment and serve today’s students.
“ELA was the most impactful professional development experience of my career. Every meeting and webinar was focused on concrete skills and specific knowledge we need to be successful presidents. From day one, I knew I would have a supportive community of colleagues and mentors from across the country: something rare in this hypercompetitive world of higher ed. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
MANYA WHITAKER, ELA 2023–24, INTERIM PRESIDENT, COLORADO COLLEGE
Program Details
The program consists of:
- Two seminars in Washington, DC, in June 16–17, 2025, and June 12–13, 2026, led by current and former presidents as well as specialists in key areas;
- A highly individualized Professional Experience Plan (PEP) designed to fill gaps in the participant’s expertise and experience;
- Mentorship by both the participant’s current president and the program director;
- Individualized executive coaching;
- Peer-to-peer participant-led webinars, regional gatherings, and activities.
Current Status
Individuals currently serving in cabinet-level positions in any division of their institution are eligible to participate. Approximately 35 participants will be selected for the 2025–26 cohort—half from CIC member institutions and half from AASCU institutions.
Selection of participants will be announced by Friday, March 7, 2025.
“The Executive Leadership Academy provided me with a realistic view of what the landscape is for incoming college presidents. The Academy provided me not only with a curriculum of important topics to consider for the future, but an extensive coterie of some of the top minds in the CIC to discuss their experiences in leadership. Further, having the opportunity to consider my path alongside other leaders on their own journey was helpful given the sometimes lonely space you can find yourself in as a leader. Remarkable, practical, and memorable experience.”
SHAWN DALEY, ELA 2023–24, CHIEF STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY (OR)
Program Results
Since 2012, 154 of participants across the cohorts that have completed the Executive Leadership Academy have been appointed as presidents or chancellors, and many more have advanced to other senior positions.
In addition to the professional advancement of participants, successful outcomes also occur when participants strengthen their leadership in their current positions or when they realize that they do not want to pursue a presidency.
“ELA has been a first-class experience. I have gained knowledge and skills to assist me in my current job and prepare me for my future. I met great people that are now friends and colleagues. These relationships will be critical as I move forward in my career. I am very thankful for this opportunity.”
DEBBIE D’ANNA, ELA 2022–23, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND DEAN OF STUDENT, BREVARD COLLEGE (NC)
Fellowships
CIC is committed to preparing a diverse new generation of leaders to thrive on today’s campuses. Nominators will be expected to explain how the candidacy of their nominee will support this goal. Through generous support from AALI and the Mellon Foundation, CIC is also able to provide a select number of fellowships to support this broad participation. All candidates will be considered for one of these fellowships.
Location and Costs
Two seminars will be held in Washington, DC, led by current and former presidents as well as specialists in key areas, on June 16–17, 2025, and June 12–13, 2026.
The program fee for the 2025–26 academic year is $3,575. This fee includes all program costs as well as meals during the two seminars. The participants or their institutions are responsible for travel and lodging expenses.
Contact Information
For questions about the nomination process or selection process, contact Marina Esteve Wagstaff, assistant to the senior vice president for academic programs and program coordinator, CIC, at mwagstaff@cic.edu or (202) 552-8986.
For questions about program content or logistics, contact Javier Cevallos, president, AALI, at javier@americanali.org or (202) 263-7488.