Contact:
Kellee Edmonds
(202) 478-4662
edmondsk@aascu.org

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2021 – The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has selected 35 higher education professionals for its 2021 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP).

AASCU created the leadership development program in 2015 to prepare early- to mid-career academic and administrative staff to advance to administrative roles with greater responsibility and oversight.

“I am very proud to welcome the Emerging Leaders Program class of 2021. These campus leaders are poised to be our future senior executives charged with shaping our institutions to ensure inclusivity, equity, and student success,” said Dr. Charles L. Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System, chair of the AASCU Board of Directors, and coordinator of ELP. “The diverse backgrounds of these participants will foster lively discussions and insightful learning experiences for all participants. I look forward to a great year of learning and personal development.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 ELP will be held virtually. It will feature one faculty-led webinar per month from April–November 2021 and include smaller group sessions for reflection, networking, and case studies.

“ELP provides our aspiring higher education leaders with the skills to make real change at their institutions, lead with accountability and strength, and prioritize the needs of the diverse student body they will serve,” said AASCU President Dr. Mildred García. “I congratulate this year’s class and am excited to see the meaningful projects they will implement at their institutions.”

ELP participants will develop an on-campus project or initiative to strengthen their leadership skills and positively impact their institutions and communities. Cohort members will work with a leader on their campus to develop and execute their project.

View the full cohort list.

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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions Delivering America’s Promise. Visit us at www.staging.aascu.org.