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 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 2022–2023, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS, BREVARD COLLEGE (NC)
Program Details
The program consists of:
- Two seminars in Washington, DC, (June 13–15, 2024, and June 13–14, 2025) 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; and
- 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 2024–2025 cohort—half from CIC member institutions and half from AASCU institutions.
Selection of participants will be announced by March 8, 2024.
Nomination Details
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 2024–2025 cohort—half from CIC member institutions and half from AASCU institutions.
Nominations must come from the president to whom the nominee reports and indicate the president’s commitment to serve during 2024–2025 as a mentor. Individuals who wish to be nominated should discuss the opportunity with the president to request nomination.
To submit a nomination, please refer to the brochure and online nomination form.
The nomination packet is due by Friday, February 2, 2024, 5:00 p.m. EST. Selection of participants will be announced by March 8, 2024.
“I am incredibly grateful for the ELA program, and the clarity it has brought as I navigate the discernment process and explore the possibility of executive leadership in higher education.[…]Thanks to the way the program fosters reflection both on your own and in community
DAVID HUTCHISON, ELA 2022–2023, VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT, LYON COLLEGE (AR)
with others, I have a greater sense of what it means to be called to… this role [and] profession; a much more robust understanding of the
balance of vocation and calling of the presidency, and a new community of colleagues with whom to share the journey.”
Program Results
Since 2009, 100 of the participants in the ten 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.
“This program provided all of the nuts and bolts needed in thinking about the path to the presidency”
ANDRE RICHARDSON, ELA 2022–2023, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES, JARVIS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (TX)
Diversity Fellowship
With generous support from AALI, CIC offers fellowships to encourage broad and representative participation in ELA. Preference is given to nominees from under-resourced institutions that otherwise might be unable to support their participation. Nominators should indicate whether they wish a nominee to be considered for a Fellowship.
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 13–15, 2024, and June 13–14, 2025.
The program fee for the 2024–2025 academic year is $3,250. 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, selection process, or program logistics, 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, contact Javier Cevallos, President, AALI, at javier@americanali.org or (202) 263-7488.