Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission 2026–2027

February 21–23, 2027

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The Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission program is designed for senior leaders at CIC member schools to explore their potential calling to serve as a college or university president. The program is designed to help participants explore their vocational calling, as well as examine what types of institutional missions they might best serve.

Lilly Endowment Inc. logo

CIC is grateful to Lilly Endowment Inc. for its ongoing support of the Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission program.

Current Status

Up to 20 participants from independent colleges and universities were selected for the program, which is intended for senior administrators—and their spouses and partners—who are considering whether to seek a presidency.

How Is This Program Structured?

This yearlong program combines seminars, small group discussions, individual consultations, and extensive reading, all guided by experienced presidents and their spouses/partners.

  • Two Seminars: A four-day summer seminar and a two-day winter seminar, with pre-assigned readings.
  • Ongoing Support: At least three video consultations with facilitators throughout the year.
  • Mentorship: A team of facilitators—experienced presidents and their spouses/partners—guide participants in this inquiry over the course of one year.
  • An online community: Continuous online forum for cohorts to connect with peers to share updates, discussion topics, and conversations about current experiences through their vocational journey.

Event Dates

Summer Seminar: July 12–15, 2026 | Location: Cape Rey, California

Winter Seminar: February 21–23, 2027 | Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Costs: Thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc., most program expenses are covered. The registration costs are $468 for participants and $286 for participating spouses/partners.

Program Facilitators

Director

Steven C. Bahls, president emeritus, Augustana College (2003–2022)

Facilitators

Jane E. Bahls, Retired Presidential Spouse, Augustana College (IL)
Alan Cottrell, Presidential Spouse, Texas Lutheran University
Debbie Cottrell, President, Texas Lutheran University
Barbara Farley, President, Illinois College
Mary Dana Hinton, President, Hollins University (VA)
Robert Williams, Presidential Spouse, Hollins University (VA)
Titi Ufomata, Senior Vice President for Academic Programs, Council of Independent Colleges (DC)

Contact Information

For more information, contact Titilayo Ufomata, CIC Senior Vice President for Academic Programs, at (202) 545-6041 or tufomata@cic.edu, or Kathleen Smith, CIC Executive Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary to the Board of Directors, at ksmith@cic.edu.