New Presidents Academy

The Leadership Program for New State College and University Presidents and Chancellors

Participants

The 2021 academy is open to first-time AASCU member and non-member presidents and chancellors appointed after July 2019.

Timeline and Format

July–November 2021

The 2021 New Presidents Academy (NPA) will be delivered in a blended format beginning in June 2021. This includes monthly virtual learning and networking sessions and a two-day, in-person gathering in November.

The program will feature:

Monthly two-hour, interactive cohort gatherings held over four months (July, August, September, October)
Two-day, in-person gathering scheduled in conjunction with the AASCU 2021 Annual Meeting (Nov. 5–7, 2021, in Clearwater, Florida)
Optional small group reflection and discussion sessions regarding each participant’s entry plan
Asynchronous learning modules (pre-reads)
Formal mentoring with NPA faculty and current and retired AASCU presidents and chancellors
Access to AASCU (phone a friend) resource list of AASCU presidents and chancellors

Purpose and Objectives

NPA is tailored to the distinctive needs of presidents and chancellors who lead state colleges and universities. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with your state university peers in a learning environment tailored to the specific challenges that a first-time president is likely to face.

Guiding Principles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion discussions will be integrated throughout the program
Dialogues about AASCU institutions’ commitment to access and student success outcomes will be included throughout
We are committed to creating a supportive, engaging, and customized learning environment built on trust, confidentiality, and safety among the cohort
Program content is reevaluated each year to ensure we are meeting the needs of current presidents and chancellors

Program Objectives

Support new presidents with a practical orientation to the presidency. A wide range of topics will be covered related to the current context of higher education including, but not limited to, crisis management, equity-minded leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, and financial management
Create a community of support for new presidents to include peers and experienced (current and retired) presidents. The NPA network is an invaluable resource for presidents throughout their careers

Online Schedule

Monday, July 12, 4–6 p.m. ET
Session: Nature of the Presidency
Speaker: John Anderson, NPA program coordinator and former president, Millersville University (Pa.)

Thursday, July 29, 4–6 p.m. ET
Session: Leadership in Adversity
Speakers: John Anderson, NPA program coordinator and former president, Millersville University (Pa.)
Brian O. Hemphill, president-elect, Old Dominion University (Va.)

Monday, Aug. 9, 4–6 p.m. ET
Session: Equity-Minded Leadership
Speakers: TBD

Monday, Aug. 23, 4–5 p.m. ET
Networking & Sharing

Monday, Sept. 13, 4–6 p.m. ET
Session: Interpretive Communications
Speaker: Jolene Koester, former president, California State University, Northridge

Monday, Sept. 27, 4–5 p.m. ET
Networking & Sharing

Monday, Oct. 4, 4–6 p.m. ET
Session: Role of the President and Student Success
Speaker: Mildred García, president, AASCU

Monday, Oct. 18, 4–5 p.m. ET
Networking & Sharing

NPA Faculty

John Anderson, NPA program coordinator and former president, Millersville University (Pa.)
Mildred García, president, AASCU
Brian Hemphill, president-elect, Old Dominion University (Va.)
Steve Turner, president, Northeastern State University (Okla.)

Contact

Kathleen Scott, vice president, Leadership Development and Partnerships, AASCU
Danita Young, assistant vice president of Meetings and conferences, AASCU
Karusha Naidoo, associate director, Millennium Leadership Initiative and Leadership Development and Partnerships , AASCU

2019 NPA Testimonials - What Presidents Are Saying ...

“A high quality, well-organized NPA. A truly great learning experience.”
–Guiyou Huang - Western Illinois University (formerly president of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania)

“The New Presidents Academy is a transformative experience to ground me in the duties of the presidency as well as build a strong and willing network among the faculty and colleague presidents.”
–Brad Mortensen - Weber State University (Utah)

“Thanks to the faculty for their vision, wisdom, and integrity.”
–Dwight Watson - University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

“The cohort model of the New President's Academy provided us with a community of new colleagues and friends that I will rely on in the hard times and celebrate with in the good times. The intense week-long format allows for reflection while fitting in a time space where even a busy new president can get away from the office. The information was specific and relevant to what I am facing as a new chancellor, and the honesty and authenticity of the faculty gave me confidence that I, too, will succeed in this role.”
–Bonnie Irwin - University of Hawaii at Hilo