Presidents Circles are collaborative and dynamic learning cohorts where small groups of new presidents meet online monthly to support each other’s growth, share experiences, and engage real issues of leadership and transition that impact college and university presidents. Presidents Circles offer a confidential, trusted space for personal and professional development, fostering a community of practice and mutual learning. They are led by professional executive coaches who are seasoned former presidents. We are grateful to be able to offer this new opportunity at an affordable rate.
CIC is delighted to partner with Academic Search and its Executive Coaching Practice to offer inaugural Presidents Circles, designed specifically for first-time presidents at CIC member institutions.
Location: Virtual
Dates: October 2026 through April 2027
Program Fee: $2,000 per participant
Application Deadline: Monday, August 31
Participant Eligibility: Presidents Circles are open to all first-time CIC member presidents who began serving in their roles on July 1, 2025, or later.
Benefits of CIC’s Presidents Circles
CIC’s Presidents Circles will be led by Academic Search Senior Executive Coaches who are both professional executive coaches and seasoned former presidents. This is a unique opportunity for new presidents to:
- Build resilience and leadership skills
- Share experiences with peers, including the transition to the presidency
- Learn about and reflect on leadership and impact
- Talk about real issues in an authentic space
- Participate fully and see the presidency as ongoing work
- Create a community of practice that is president-driven
“Supporting college and university leadership and advancing institutional excellence are two of CIC’s strategic priorities. At a time when leadership is particularly challenging, Presidents Circles provide support and expertise to meet the needs of our first-time member presidents—from the practical to the emotional. CIC is grateful for this partnership with Academic Search to offer this valuable opportunity.”
—Marjorie Hass, President, CIC
New to the Presidency?
CIC’s New Presidents Program offers valuable support and connections as you begin your leadership journey.
Program Structure
- Cohorts of 6–8 participants, each paired with one senior executive coach
- Six 90-minute virtual sessions, October–December; February–April
- One optional in-person session during CIC’s 2027 Presidents Institute in January
- iEQ9 Enneagram Assessment and group debrief
- Leadership on the Line book discussion
- Up to two individual coaching sessions per president
- A confidential, trusted space for peer learning, reflection and community of practice
“We have a responsibility to support and sustain our new presidents, especially in the current context. In addition to one-one-one presidential coaching, Presidents Circles offer a proven and creative way to help meet that responsibility. Presidents Circles are a powerful and strategic investment in the success of new presidents.”
—Steven Titus, Vice President and Executive Coaching Practice Leader, Academic Search
Application Details
The brief application form provides opportunities to share your priorities as president and your Presidents Circle outcomes or goals. Space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are due Monday, August 31.
Contact Information
Please contact Christoph Kunkel, CIC senior vice president and chief of staff, at ckunkel@cic.edu or (202) 552-8971 or Steve Titus, Academic Search vice president and executive coaching practice leader, at steve.titus@academicsearch.org or (507) 429-9730 with program questions.