View the 2019–2020 Academy information.

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) are pleased to announce the 2020–2021 Senior Leadership Academy (SLA), a yearlong program for mid-level administrators in higher education who aspire to senior leadership positions in independent colleges or universities. By completing the program, participants will have acquired considerable knowledge, skills, and experiences that are germane to the portfolio of responsibilities and activities central to the work of a college or university vice president or cabinet officer.

The Need for Well-Prepared Leaders

CIC and AALI developed the Senior Leadership Academy in response to presidents and provosts who noted that many talented people on their campuses serving in mid-levels of leadership responsibility would benefit from professional development opportunities to become better prepared to assume senior “line” responsibilities at the vice presidential/cabinet level. The SLA helps to fill the gap in the current leadership pipeline through the preparation of leaders who show promise of developing the talents and skills needed to succeed in a senior leadership position on campus. The SLA also helps participants achieve a better understanding of the broader context within which their own institution operates and a perspective on higher education beyond their current role.

The Senior Leadership Academy provided me with invaluable experience as I considered applying for provost positions. The mentorship, camaraderie among participants, and excellent presentations by higher education leaders allowed me to learn important lessons in academic leadership. In particular, there was an emphasis on preparing to apply for ‘the next move,’ and these lessons were pivotal as I applied for provost and president positions.”—Lily D. McNair, SLA 2010–2011, president, Tuskegee University; formerly provost and vice president for academic affairs, Wagner College, and associate provost of research, Spelman College

Since 2010, nine cohorts have completed the Senior Leadership Academy.

To date, nearly one-third (31.8 percent) of all participants have experienced career advancement.

Understanding the chief academic officer role is difficult until one actually steps into the role. The SLA, however, provides insight into the role that not only helps interested faculty and staff members decide if the CAO position fits their professional interests and passions, but also positions them well if they decide to apply for CAO positions. Most importantly, the SLA provides a greater understanding of the many areas of responsibility that the CAO position entails. Finally, the network of colleagues one meets in SLA and continues to see at CIC conferences becomes invaluable.”—Beth M. Schwartz, SLA 2014–2015, vice president for academic affairs and provost, Heidelberg University; formerly assistant dean, Randolph College

With generous support from AALI, CIC will offer a small number of fellowships to enhance the gender, racial, and ethnic diversity of well-prepared leaders of colleges and universities. Preference will be given to nominees from under-resourced institutions that otherwise might be unable to support a participant in the leadership development programs. Nominators should check the box on the nomination form if they wish their nominee to be considered for a fellowship.

​The fall seminar will be held in San Diego, CA, November 6–8, 2020. The closing seminar will be held in Washington, DC, June 17–19, 2021.

The program fee for the 2020–2021 academic year is $2,400. The fee includes all program costs as well as meals during the two seminars. The participant or his or her institution is responsible for travel and lodging expenses.

​For questions about the nomination process, selection process, or program logistics, contact Kerry Pannell, vice president for academic programs, CIC, at kpannell@cic.nche.edu or (202) 466-7230.

For questions about program content, contact Linda Bleicken, president, AALI, at linda@americanali.org or (202) 263-7488.