30 Higher Education Leaders Chosen for AASCU’s 2024-2025 Millennium Leadership Initiative

Contact:
Kellee Edmonds
(202) 478-4662

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2024 – The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has named 30 distinguished senior-level higher education professionals to participate in the 2024- 2025 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI). This year’s MLI participants carry the added distinction of being the initiative’s 25th cohort as AASCU celebrates the program’s 25th anniversary. 

Launched in 1999 under the advisement of AASCU’s African American member presidents, MLI is a premier leadership development program designed to diversify and enrich the American college presidency. The initiative is rooted in preparing higher education leaders from traditionally underrepresented communities with the skills, philosophical overview, and networks necessary to advance to the highest ranks of postsecondary education.

In celebration of MLI’s 25th anniversary and with a vision to elevate the program, AASCU has appointed MLI co-founder Charlie Nelms as President in Residence. In this role, Nelms will offer his visionary guidance, play a pivotal role in coaching the cohort, facilitate high-level discussions, and share insights from his distinguished career.

Through its rich network of faculty, alumni, and other key campus leaders, MLI connects aspiring presidents and chancellors to the expertise, experiences, and resources required to thrive. Participants receive a realistic look at what the role of a president warrants in order to navigate the current and future higher education landscape.

MLI’s 25-year legacy is significant, unlocking opportunities for aspiring presidents or chancellors on campuses ranging from California to Connecticut. Since its inception, nearly 750 individuals have completed the program, with 163 going on to become university presidents or chancellors, and 43 serving multiple presidencies or chancellorships. AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch is no stranger to MLI, having served as a mentor in 2019 and continued champion for the program.

“MLI creates a vast and talented pool of qualified candidates to fill presidencies, chancellorships, and senior-level vacancies in higher education,” said Welch. “As we celebrate this incoming class that comprises our 25th cohort, we’re thankful for the bold vision of MLI’s founders who sought to build a strong pipeline of higher ed leaders who reflect the rich diversity of our nation and, more importantly, our students.”

Programming for the 2024 cohort will take place June 12-15 in Washington, D.C. This year’s cohort can be viewed here.

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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of 350 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.