AALI PROGRAMS

The American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) offers a wide range of leadership development programs, mentoring experiences and networking opportunities to experienced administrators in both public and private colleges and universities.

Mastering the Presidential Search Process (MPSP) is a two-day  workshop style program designed to provide the tools necessary to be successful at every stage of the presidential search process. This program is open to senior executives leaders at any four-year or two-year institution. Candidates must currently hold a position of dean or higher.

Applicants from member institutions of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), are eligible for discounted program fees.

More Information

The Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) is a year-long program for individuals from member institutions of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), nominated by their chief executives. ELA prepares experienced college and university cabinet officers to become successful presidents and chancellors.

Participants learn how to develop their leadership skills to become highly effective executives in a higher education environment. The program consists of two national seminars, readings, a Professional Experiential Plan, group projects and mentorship experience. 

For additional information including details about the nomination process, please download the ELA 2024-2025 Brochure from your member institution.

To access and complete a nomination form:

The Becoming a Provost Academy (BAPA) is a year-long program for individuals from member institutions of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), nominated by their institution’s chief academic officer. BAPA prepares experienced academic leaders and administrators to become successful chief academic officers/provosts.

Participants are acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the chief academic officer through two national seminars held in conjunction with the AASCU Summer Academic Affairs Meetings as well as readings, group projects, Professional Experience Plan and mentorship experience.

For additional information including details about the nomination process, please download the BAPA 2023-2024 Brochure.

To access and complete a BAPA nomination form, please click here.

The Senior Leadership Academy (SLA) is a year-long program for individuals from member institutions of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), nominated by their institution’s president or vice president. SLA prepares mid-level administrators for senior leadership positions at the presidential cabinet level in independent colleges and universities.

Participants are acquainted with the roles of cabinet members through two national seminars, readings, group projects, a Professional Experience Plan and mentorship experience.

For additional information including details about the nomination process, please download the SLA 2024-2025 Brochure.

To access and complete a nomination form, please click here.

AALI PROGRAMS AND SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Identifying and developing academic leadership skills to prepare individuals for success in future leadership roles.

  • Offering programs, initiatives, seminars and workshops for academic leaders in various administrative positions to enable them to be successful in their current roles and to advance the institutions they serve

  • Consulting with academic leaders and boards of trustees concerning traditional and emerging issues facing higher education leadership.

  • Providing assistance during periods of leadership transition to ensure a smooth succession process.
Polly Peterson image

“AALI is the only program that offers a comprehensive line-up of courses that are taught by successful presidents who are truly interested in helping the candidates discern and prepare for their own presidencies. AALI is essential for those who are contemplating a college presidency.”


Dr. Polly Peterson
President, University of Jamestown (ND)

AALI Executive Leadership Academy (2016-2017)
Andrew Hsu Image

“The Becoming a Provost Academy not only helped me to think about the provost position as a career option at the time, but also helped me to better understand the role of a provost and the challenges and opportunities such a leadership position would provide prior to becoming one.”


Dr. Andrew T. Hsu
President, College of Charleston (SC)

AALI Becoming a Provost Academy (2015-2016)