WASHINGTON, September 21, 2020 — The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) today launched the Student Success Institute (SSI) for Provosts, a new leadership development program tailored to the distinctive needs of experienced provosts (chief academic officers) at AASCU institutions.

SSI will support provosts with more than two years of experience in the role to more effectively lead and implement the type of transformational change necessary to meet the evolving needs of today’s increasingly diverse student body. The program is supported by a $1.6 million grant from Ascendium Education Group.

The first cohort will include up to 25 provosts, and the cost for the inaugural cohort is fully subsidized by the grant. Throughout the program, fellows will have the opportunity to build a strong and supportive network of peers, learn from leading experts in the field, and develop critical skills for facilitating change on their campuses.

“Student success is central to the missions of AASCU institutions and a vital priority in AASCU’s strategic plan,” said AASCU President Mildred García. “The Student Success Institute will join our other leadership development programs in helping our members position students at the heart of their institutions and ensure we continue to have a real impact on increasing students’ social and economic mobility.”

AASCU institutions today are facing unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the economic disparities in our country and activism has illuminated long-standing racial injustices. As stewards of place, AASCU institutions play a critical role in supporting more than 3.5 million students and influencing the creation of healthy, just, and equitable communities. SSI reinforces AASCU’s commitment to supporting its nearly 400 members so they may continue to Deliver America’s Promise.

“AASCU aims to offer unique opportunities for our members to foster exemplary practices and innovative management, and we also work to promote a cadre of diverse and skilled future leaders across our institutions,” said AASCU Vice President for Academic Innovation and Transformation Terry Brown. “We are delighted to support the important work of provosts with this new Student Success Institute.”

Applications are now open for SSI and will be accepted through Oct. 23, 2020. To learn more, visit http://ssi.aascu.org.

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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of nearly 400 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.