About the Academy
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) are pleased to announce the 2026–27 Senior Leadership Academy (SLA), a yearlong program for experienced administrators whose next career move is a cabinet-level position in independent colleges or universities. Participants will acquire knowledge, skills, and experience germane to the responsibilities and activities central to the work of a vice president or cabinet officer.
Leaders for a New Era
The SLA fills a gap in the current leadership pipeline by preparing talented leaders with the skills needed to advance to a senior leadership position on campus. The SLA also helps participants broaden their understanding of the higher education ecosystem and of the full range of leadership roles needed for institutional success.
“SLA provided me the opportunity to network and learn from talented leaders and experts in higher education and develop critical skills needed to advance my career and take the next steps in my career journey. Under the well designed SLA program, I’ve learned and developed more in the last year as an academic administrator and educator than the previous five years combined.”
GREG PILLAR, SLA 2022–23, ASSOCIATE PROVOST FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, QUEENS UNIVERSITY OF CHARLOTTE (NC)
Program Details
The program consists of:
- Two seminars—one in Baltimore, MD, November 6-7, 2026; and the other in Washington, DC, June 8–9, 2027—led by current presidents, vice presidents, and other senior leaders in higher education as well as experts in key areas;
- Readings in leadership theory and practice;
- A highly individualized Professional Experience Plan (PEP) designed to fill “gaps” in the participant’s expertise and experience;
- Mentorship by both the participant’s campus mentor and the program director;
- Individualized executive coaching throughout the program;
- Webinars, regional gatherings, book groups, campus visits, and other activities developed by participants.
“The cohort-based activities, expert presenters, and individualized mentorship allowed me to think deeply about my own values, goals, leadership style, and vocation. As a result of my participation in the Senior Leadership Academy, I have a greater understanding of critical issues in higher education, the skills required for effective leadership, and most importantly, of myself, that will allow me to be a more thoughtful, effective, and authentic leader.”
Sara Glover, SLA 2024–25, Associate Provost, Loras College (IA)
Location and Costs
The fall seminar will be held in Baltimore, MD, November 6–7, 2026. The closing seminar will be held in Washington, DC, on June 8–9, 2027. The individual program fee for the 2026–27 academic year is $3,290, which includes all program costs as well as meals during the two seminars. Participants or their institutions are responsible for travel and lodging expenses.
Fellowships Available
CIC is committed to preparing a new generation of leaders from varied backgrounds and perspectives 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.
“This experience has prompted a meaningful shift in my leadership approach—from a servant leader to what I now identify as a “shepherd leader.” I’ve become more intentional about guiding, nurturing, and protecting those I lead, while still prioritizing service and collaboration. SLA has equipped me with practical tools, strategic insights, and—most importantly—the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities. I now feel more prepared and empowered to step into roles that require vision, resilience, and a deep understanding of higher education dynamics.”
Tywana Chenault Hemby, SLA 2024–25, Dean of the School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Columbia College (SC)
Nomination Details
The program is intended for individuals who have been in their current role for at least two years, whose next position is in academic affairs, student affairs, finance and administration, enrollment management, or advancement, and whose current position might be assistant or associate provost, assistant or associate vice president, academic dean, or administrative director.
Approximately 40 participants from independent colleges and universities will be selected.
Individuals who wish to participate should ask the president, provost, or a vice president of their current institution to submit the nomination. The nomination packet must consist of:
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae;
- A letter of nomination;
- A statement by the candidate explaining his or her interest in and potential for a senior administrative position.
To submit a nomination, please use the online nomination form. All nomination materials must be submitted as a single complete packet. The nomination packet is due by Friday, February 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET. Selection of participants will be announced by Friday, March 27, 2026.
Every year we receive more applications than we can accommodate, therefore we are unable to consider submissions received after the stated deadline.
“SLA provided me the opportunity to network and learn from talented leaders and experts in higher education and develop critical skills needed to advance my career and take the next steps in my career journey. Under the well-designed SLA program, I’ve learned and developed more in the last year as an academic administrator and educator than the previous five years combined.”
J.R. Hustwit, SLA 2024–25, Dean, College of Arts, Humanities & Sciences, Methodist University (NC)
Contact Information
For questions about the nomination process, contact Marina Esteve-Offord at mesteve-offord@cic.edu or (202) 552-8986.
For questions about program content, contact Javier Cevallos, president, AALI, at javier@americanali.org or (202) 263-7488.