AASCU - American Association of State Colleges and Universities

06/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/23/2026 07:11

45 Higher Education Professionals to Participate in 2026 Emerging Leaders Program

Contact:
Kellee Edmonds
(202) 478-4662
[email protected]

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2026-The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has announced the newest cohort of its Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), welcoming 45 rising academic and administrative professionals.

For more than a decade, ELP has supported the development of mid-senior career higher education professionals by equipping them with the skills and perspective needed to take on expanded leadership responsibilities. Participants explore key topics, including strategic communication, project management, organizational change, and the development of a personal leadership approach.

"This program reflects a strong commitment to developing the next generation of higher education leadership," said Kristin G. Esterberg, chancellor, University of Washington Bothell, and ELP executive sponsor. "We're excited to support these professionals as they strengthen their capabilities, broaden their networks, and contribute to the future of their institutions and the students they serve."

Each cohort member undertakes a campus-based project or initiative, working closely with a mentor and receiving guidance from an adviser. Through both structured and informal opportunities to learn from one another, the group will build relationships with mentors, faculty, and members of the broader AASCU network.

The program begins today with an in-person seminar in Washington, D.C., followed by a series of interactive virtual sessions held throughout the year.

View the full 2026 cohort.

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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to serving today's students, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions' economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions delivering America's promise.

AASCU - American Association of State Colleges and Universities published this content on June 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 23, 2026 at 13:12 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]