NCCU Provost Earns Spot in Program Shaping Future College Presidents

Ontario Wooden, Ph.D., provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), has been selected for the 2026-27 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), a highly competitive national program that has helped launch more than 170 college and university presidents and chancellors.

Administered by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), MLI brings together accomplished academic leaders from across the nation for a yearlong experience focused on executive leadership, mentorship and institutional advancement.

Wooden was selected for his track record of expanding opportunity for student success, strengthening academic programs and guiding organizational growth throughout his more than 20 years in higher education.

As part of the program, Wooden will be paired with an experienced college president who will provide mentorship, executive coaching and leadership-shadowing opportunities. He will also receive guidance from MLI President-in-Residence Mickey Burnim.

"I am honored to participate in this exceptional leadership development," said Wooden. "I look forward to applying the insights and skills I gain to enhance my effectiveness in both my current role and future leadership opportunities."

Wooden returned to NCCU in 2024 as the university's chief academic officer after serving in leadership roles across multiple public university systems. He previously served as interim president and provost at Alcorn State University and spent 12 years at NCCU in several leadership and faculty roles, including associate vice chancellor, dean and tenured associate professor. He has secured more than $7 million in external funding and authored numerous scholarship publications focused on college access and student achievement.

"We are proud to welcome this exceptional group of leaders in the MLI network as they continue their progression toward the presidency and senior leadership roles," said Charles Welch, president and CEO of AASCU. "MLI has long played a vital role in cultivating a dynamic community of higher education leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges facing our institutions and students."

Since its founding in 1999, MLI has supported the professional development of more than 800 higher education leaders. Among its alumni, 174 have gone on to serve as college or university presidents and chancellors.

View this year's cohort.