性吧导航

Written By: Rachel Putman

Blake Rickman has been selected to participate in the 2025鈥�26 Executive Leadership Academy, a highly competitive national program designed to prepare senior higher education professionals for comprehensive campus leadership roles.

Rickman joins administrators from institutions across the United States and Mexico to take part in the yearlong leadership development experience, which brings together accomplished higher education executives for mentoring, professional development, and collaboration with current and former college presidents.

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) collaborate to offer ELA participants unparalleled learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

A total of 36 higher education leaders will take part in the program that prepares experienced provosts and vice presidents as the next generation of college and university presidents. These participants rose to the top among a competitive pool of applicants with each organization selecting 18 leaders from member institutions to ensure representation from both independent and state-supported colleges and universities.

Since its inception in 2009, over 100 individuals who have completed the ELA program have been appointed as presidents or chancellors of colleges and universities. The ELA program equips those moving into presidential and senior executive roles with the diverse skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing challenges of the higher educational landscape.

鈥淎t a time when working in higher education feels particularly challenging, the participants of the ELA program show how committed they are to the sector and their institutions,鈥� said CIC President Marjorie Hass. 鈥淐IC is fortunate to partner with AALI and AASCU to provide this opportunity to leaders at our member institutions and prepare them for the challenges ahead.鈥�

Some key features of the ELA program consist of a tailored professional experience plan aimed at addressing the specific skill and experience gaps of each participant; mentorship provided by the participant鈥檚 current president alongside the ELA program director;  guidance on the executive search process; and access to peer-led webinars, regional meetings, and cohort-wide activities. The ELA cohort will convene in June 2026 for a closing seminar in Washington, DC.

鈥淚n today鈥檚 higher education environment, it鈥檚 critical that future leaders are prepared, ready, and well-equipped to serve our growing student population and tackle the challenges that come with leading a college or university,鈥� said AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch. 鈥淭ogether with CIC, and our partners at AALI, AASCU continues its commitment of providing senior executives with the wide-ranging skills and training they need to succeed.鈥�

Individuals currently holding cabinet-level roles in any division of their institution are invited to apply to the ELA program. Nominations for the ELA for the 2026鈥�27 academic year will commence in the fall, with selections to be revealed in March 2026.

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