The MLI was established to assist individuals (largely African Americans, other minorities and women) who derived from groups seriously underrepresented at these exclusive leadership levels. Due to rapidly shifting demographics in higher education, there was a clear need to bring the diversity within this critical leadership level, into correspondence with the changing diversity of the student population within the nation. As a consequence of a decade of success in meeting this challenge, the MLI continues to maintain its historical preferences while accepting any qualified candidates.

The MLI Institute attracts a prestigious faculty of presidents and chancellors and experts in the media relations, advancement and fundraising, executive contract negotiation, financial management, accreditation and the executive search process. Protégés experience both theoretical learning as well as practical, hands-on training through media interviews, visits with representatives on Capitol Hill and close interactions with presidents and chancellors. 

Protégé Selection Process

Applicants must be nominated by a president, chancellor or a chief executive officer from education, government, or the private sector. Qualified applicants must possess a terminal degree and must have reached the administrative level of dean in the academy or provide proof of equivalent administrative experience from the government or the private sector. 

The MLI Experience

The MLI experience allows participants to determine if the presidency is a realistic goal and affords them the opportunity to develop skills, gain a philosophical overview and build the network to compete for, and attain, the position of college or university president or chancellor. MLI reinforces the vital role that diversity plays in the institutional mission and helps diversify the executive team on campuses.

Participants apply to the Institute and are admitted through a rigorous selection process administered by a selection committee composed exclusively of presidents and chancellors. At the MLI Institute, presidential faculty and other experts offer insights into leadership issues and provide skills training.  Presidents critique participants’ professional development plans and advise them in career counseling sessions.  After the Institute, graduates are assigned a mentor from an extraordinary group of presidents and chancellors who volunteer to serve as sponsors and advocates, to provide career guidance and assist graduates in the next phases of their careers.

Success

MLI is the premier leadership development program to prepare presidents and chancellors and diversify senior leadership at state colleges and universities. Since the first MLI Class of 1999, 424 individuals have graduated from MLI. Over a third have advanced significantly in their careers and 66 graduates have become presidents or chancellors. Some individuals have entered their second or third presidencies, bringing MLI's influence to 82 presidencies. However, success is not measured in presidencies alone. Career advancements go well beyond those graduates who achieve their first presidency. The MLI Institute provides a broader pool of diverse, qualified candidates who can compete for senior executive level positions of the nations higher education academy and the value of MLI's influence in building a diverse senior leadership team on campuses is nationally recognized.