AAC&U New Leadership Academy Fellows Program

Currently, the Fellows Program is NLA’s flagship offering, bringing together mid- to senior-level professionals in a cohort-based experience. Additional offerings, including the Chairs Academy and Learning Partners, are being piloted and will expand NLA’s ability to support department/program leaders and institutional leadership teams.

All NLA programming is grounded in a shared philosophy that frames leadership as an opportunity to advance value-driven change through an asset-based, growth-oriented approach for students, faculty, staff, and institutions.

Equipping leaders with the knowledge, tools, and courage needed to transform higher education. 

The AAC&U New Leadership Academy’s (NLA) Fellows Program offers the opportunity to build leadership skills using immersive, real-world case studies and small-group facilitation, in virtual and in-person settings.

Fellows will

• develop and practice approaches to decision-making in complex environments; 
• navigate change and encourage others to lead effectively within their institution; 
• advance leadership work that supports learning and student success; 
• build upon campus success strategies grounded in research and informed by practice;
• engage in case-based learning and interactive dialogue with peers;
• receive individualized coaching and mentorship from experienced leaders; and 
• build a national network of colleagues and collaborators

Fellows engage in a six-month cohort-based experience to strengthen their decision-making abilities, practice leading across differences, and prepare to advance meaningful institutional change. The program consists of virtual, synchronous, and asynchronous engagement, starting in January 2028 and culminating in an in-person summer institute in Ann Arbor, Michigan, June 4-9, 2028. Fellows are required to participate in all components of the program. A specialized track for health sciences is available.

Who Should Be Nominated

Nominations are closed for the 2027 AAC&U New Leadership Academy’s Fellows Program. 

Now accepting nominations for the 2028 AAC&U New Leadership Academy’s Fellows Program.

Please submit your nomination to encourage a candidate to apply for the 2028 cohort. This program is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals across higher education and related sectors. Fellows have included community leaders, individuals in executive leadership positions, faculty, administrators, health sciences professionals, individuals in STEM disciplines, policymakers, and other higher education professionals. Following nominations, eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Only early bird applicants have the opportunity to apply for partial scholarship support based on demonstrated financial needs.

Anyone can submit a nomination/s of a candidate/s they believe would be a good fit, including colleagues, peers, or community members. Nominations are not required to apply. There are no self-nominations.

Who Should Apply

Applications are closed for the 2027 AAC&U New Leadership Academy’s Fellows Program.

Applications for the 2028 Fellows Program will open in June 2027.

All professionals who hold mid- to senior-level positions and have expertise in working with students, policymakers, health sciences, foundations, and/or higher education leadership are eligible to apply to or be nominated for the NLA Fellows Program (no self-nominations). Upon submission of the application, AAC&U will confirm receipt and have the AAC&U NLA 2028 Cohort Selection Committee review each application. Once all applications have been reviewed, AAC&U will connect with applicants on final acceptance decisions in October 2027.

Sign Up to Receive 2028 Details

2028 Program Fees

Early Bird Deadline: Thursday, August 19, 2027  

Program Fee

• AAC&U Member: $6,250
• Nonmember: $7,250

Partial Scholarship Requests: Available only to early bird applicants

Regular Deadline: Thursday, September 16, 2027  

Program Fee

• AAC&U Member: $6,500
• Nonmember: $7,500  

The AAC&U member program fee is available for those with institutional or individual memberships.  

Unsure whether your institution is an AAC&U member? Check the current member list.  

Not a member? Become an individual member for $150 and save on registration. Learn more.