AASCU’s retreat for experienced presidents is offered annually in conjunction with the Summer Council as an enhanced opportunity for presidential professional development.
The retreat allows participants to assess their accomplishments and their challenges as they lay the groundwork for the next stage in their presidencies. The program design includes guided reflection and small group discussions with experienced facilitators. The theme of sustaining a creative presidency is woven throughout the discussions, and participants have an opportunity both to share with and learn from their colleagues.
Schedule
The retreat is two half-day programs (Friday afternoon and Saturday morning) and includes time for participants to complete both a candid personal assessment as well as a personal leadership action plan.
Program facilitators, both experienced former presidents, are available for individual consultations on the afternoon following the retreat to help participants more fully develop action plans.
Eligibility
Sustaining the Creative Presidency in Challenging Times is open to presidents and chancellors with at least three years of service who intend to remain in their current presidency for several years.
Facilitators
Sal Rinella is executive director of Penson Associates, a multi-disciplinary firm that assists presidents and chancellors with strategic and academic planning, team building, performance reviews, accreditation, board development and other areas. He is the former president of Austin Peay State University (Tenn.).
Jessica Kozloff is president of Academic Search, Inc., a firm that works to strengthen leadership in higher education through the search process for college and university presidents and senior administrators. She previously served for over a decade as president of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where she was active in a wide range of organizations and programs that dealt with matters such as accreditation, athletics, international education and leadership development.
Comments from Presidential Colleagues
“I was pleased to interact with new and familiar people—and to have the time to sort through some ideas and issues.”
Mary Cullinan, President, Southern Oregon University
“This was an exceptionally positive and focused session. The session leaders kept the small group on task and flushed out the answers and opinions to the questions . . . I devised a five-page plan to address three critical issues on my campus—great job!”
Richard Davenport, President, Minnesota State University, Mankato
“The retreat was well managed and allowed ample interaction among participants . . . The group worked very well together and I felt much better about my goals and plans at the end of the meeting.”
Roger Brown, Chancellor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga