WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2009 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) Institute, a program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), will be held June 6-9 in Washington, D.C. Originally conceived by AASCU’s African-American presidents, MLI encourages talented African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and women administrators to explore their career goals and supports their advancement toward a college or university presidency.

During the three-day MLI Institute, promising senior-level administrators participate in a focused and rigorous leadership development program led by an experienced faculty comprised of presidents and chancellors and experts in: financial management; accreditation; media relations; advancement and fundraising; executive contract negotiation; 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.

AASCU President Constantine W. (Deno) Curris said, “MLI is an especially significant program that increases the opportunity for those from underrepresented populations to be prepared for university presidencies as well as diversifying the pipeline for other leadership positions in higher education.”

Around 30 protégés—all senior administrators in education, government or the private sector—are accepted in the program each year. Nominated for selection by presidents, chancellors and chief executive officers, all applicants must possess a terminal or other degree generally necessary for the ascendancy to a university presidency.

Since its inception in 1999, 308 individuals have graduated from MLI, over a third have advanced significantly in their careers, and 42 graduates have become first-time presidents or chancellors. 

The 2009 MLI Institute program is available at http://www.aascu.org/programs/mli/2009/.

###

AASCU is the leadership association of 430 public colleges and universities Delivering America’s Promise through their common commitments to access, affordability and educational opportunity. Enrolling more than 3 million students, these institutions fulfill the expectations of a public university by working for the public good through education, stewardship and engagement, thereby improving the lives of people in their community, their region and their state.