Clark selected for national Executive Leadership Academy

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Todd Clark, senior director of Student Services in Penn State Harrisburg's Office of Student Affairs, was one of 36 higher education leaders selected to participate in the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA).

The academy is a collaboration of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASC&U), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI); and aims to position experienced provosts and vice presidents as the next generation of college and university presidents.

"I'm honored to be selected for this distinguished cohort of leaders across higher education and for the opportunity for introspective learning to enhance my work now and in the future. With mentorship and support from [Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor] Dr. David Callejo-Perez and the senior leaders from AALI, CIC and AASC&U it's already proven to be a unique and rewarding experience."

The first of two in-person seminars in the yearlong program were held this past June in Washington, D.C. and were led by current and former college presidents along with experts in critical areas pertinent to higher education.

Since its inception in 2009, more than 100 individuals who have completed the ELA program have been appointed as presidents or chancellors of colleges and universities. The ELA program equips those moving into presidential and senior executive roles with the diverse skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing challenges of the higher educational landscape.

Some key features of the ELA program consist of a tailored professional experience plan aimed at addressing the specific skill and experience gaps of each participant; mentorship provided by the participant's current president alongside the ELA program director; guidance on the executive search process; and access to peer-led webinars, regional meetings, and cohort-wide activities.