• Diversity, equity, and inclusion discussions integrated throughout 
• Tailored to the distinctive needs of mid-career academic or administrative professionals exploring leadership roles at state colleges and universities 
• Opportunity for real-time application and impact of tools and trainings via a campus project  
• Strong relational component—commitment to create and support trust, encourage peer-to-peer learning, confidentiality, and safety among the cohort 

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of the academe and how they relate to each other.   
• Develop critical skills for leading transformational institutional change.   
• Build a strong and supportive network of peers and mentors.   
• Demonstrate leadership skills by leading an on-campus project or initiative. 

• Academic affairs
• Budgeting, finance and administration
• Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
• Fundraising and alumni relations
• Managing staff and faculty
• Navigating the search process
• National trends in higher education
• Project management and change management

Participants will lead a project or initiative at their home campuses over the course of the academic year, under the guidance of a designated mentor. The project will have an impact on the campus community and also align with the participant’s professional goals. Examples of university projects include the following:  

• Chairing or co-chairing a division, university-wide committee, or task force that requires working with multiple constituencies 
• Managing a project for a division or university strategic initiative 
• Conducting a research project that investigates an important challenge the university faces and provides an opportunity for the participant to influence campus decision-makers using data 

Programming will be a blended experience, with in-person and virtual programming. In-person programming will not be livestreamed or otherwise recorded. 100% attendance and participation is expected. Virtual programming will take place on select Wednesdays and Fridays between 3 and 5 p.m. ET (exact dates TBD).

• Up to 12 interactive 60-to 120-minute interactive virtual sessions (May 2025 and August–December 2025)

• An intensive in-person program at AASCU’s Washington, D.C. office (June 24–26, 2025)

• A project or initiative the participant leads on their home campus

• Applications that are complete, including a nomination/endorsement from a president/chancellor or cabinet-level administrator, and submitted by the deadline will be considered.
• ELP faculty review applications and select a cohort that reflects the diversity of AASCU institutions.
• Preference is given to applicants from AASCU member institutions. 

• A complete application for ELP includes the following: 
  • Nomination or endorsement from the president/chancellor or cabinet-level administrator from your home institution 
  • Clear and concise summary of your personal and professional development goals 
  • Description of your campus project and how it supports your professional goals 
  • Commitment to 100% participation 

2025 Registration Fees

• Participants from AASCU member institutions: $2,500 
• Participants from non-member institutions: $3,500 
• The registration fee covers program administration, meals during the in-person intensive, and all materials. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation in Washington, D.C.
• Upon acceptance to ELP, participants must register no later than March 31, 2025.

Scholarships

• Limited scholarships are available to accepted applicants from AASCU member institutions.

Cancellation Fees

• Cancellation requests received on or after May 1, 2025 are NOT eligible for a refund.
• If you need to cancel after May 1, please email leadershipdevelopment@aascu.org to explore if you are eligible for a deferral to a different iteration of ELP or receive a credit toward a different program.

• We emphasize and infuse themes of democracy, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice throughout the program offerings.
• We facilitate dialogues about our collective commitment to advancing social and economic mobility for students of all backgrounds.
• We are committed to creating a supportive, engaging, and customized learning environment built on cohort trust, confidentiality, and safety.
• MLI graduates are poised to offer distinctive leadership to a higher education industry wherein it is all too rare.

• The MLI experience allows participants to determine if the presidency is a realistic goal and affords them the opportunity to deeply probe their true leadership desire and fitness.
• The MLI emphasis on developing skill sets, mindsets, and networks is valuable even for those who decide not to pursue 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.

Programming will be a blended format with 2 in-person and up to 7 virtual engagements. In-person programming will not be livestreamed or otherwise recorded. 100% attendance and participation is expected. Virtual programming will take place on select Tuesdays between 3 and 5 p.m. ET (exact dates TBD).

• Two in-person seminars in Washington, DC (June 11-14, 2025 and March 11-13, 2026)

• Up to 7 interactive 60- to 120-minute virtual sessions – select Tuesdays between 3 and 5 p.m. ET between August 2025 and March 2026 (exact dates TBA)
• Mentoring with current AASCU presidents and chancellors (September 2025 – March 2026)
• Coaching with MLI President in Residence (November 2025-March 2026)

• Participants apply to the MLI program and are admitted through a rigorous selection process administered by a selection committee composed of presidents and chancellors. Successful applicants will demonstrate the following: 
  • Leadership experience necessary to achieve a presidency or chancellorship in higher education
  • A terminal degree, significant experience as a senior academic executive, OR equivalent experience outside the academy in government or the private sector 
  • Endorsement by their president or chancellor
  • The cohort size ranges from 25 to 30 participants.

• A complete application for MLI includes the following:
  • Endorsement from the president/chancellor from your home institution
  • Clear and concise summary of your personal and professional development goals
  • Commitment to 100% participation at in- person and virtual programming

2025 Registration Fees

• For applicants from AASCU plus MLI member institutions: $5,500
• For applicants from AASCU or APLU member institutions: $6,500
• For applicants from non-member institutions: $7,500
• The registration fee covers program administration, meals during the in-person seminars, and all materials. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation in Washington, D.C.
• Upon acceptance to MLI, participants must register no later than April 14, 2025.

Scholarships

• Please note that limited scholarships will be made available to accepted applicants.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation requests received on or after May 2, 2025 are NOT eligible for a refund.
• If you need to cancel after May 2, please email leadershipdevelopment@aascu.org to explore if you are eligible for a deferral to next year’s cohort.