36 Higher Ed Leaders Selected for 2026–27 Executive Leadership Academy

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

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2026-A new cohort of higher education leaders is gathering in Washington, D.C., to begin the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), a distinguished program designed to prepare experienced administrators for senior executive roles across colleges and universities.

ELA is offered through a collaborative partnership among the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI). Together, these organizations provide participants with a comprehensive experience that emphasizes leadership development, mentorship, and professional networking.

The program opens with the first of two in-person seminars on June 15-16, bringing cohort members together for an intensive learning experience led by current and former presidents, as well as subject matter experts, addressing key issues shaping higher education today.

"At a time of significant change across the higher education landscape, programs like ELA play a critical role in supporting and preparing the next generation of institutional leaders," said Charles L. Welch, AASCU's president and CEO. "Through our partnership, we are proud to invest in leaders who are deeply committed to their campuses and communities."

Following a competitive selection process, 36 higher education professionals have been chosen for this year's cohort. Representing a broad cross-section of institutions, participants include senior leaders such as provosts and vice presidents who are preparing to step into presidential and chancellor roles.

"Independent colleges need strong, prepared leaders now more than ever," said CIC President Marjorie Hass. "ELA connects growth-minded professionals with the industry insights, peer networks, and strategic development they need to lead confidently through higher education's evolving challenges."

Since its inception in 2009, ELA has cultivated a strong pipeline of executives, with many alumni advancing to top leadership positions nationwide. The program equips these leaders with the strategic insight and adaptability required to navigate the evolving demands of higher education.

View more information on the CIC program page  or the AASCU program page.

Participants Selected by AASCU

• Guy-Alain Amoussou, Bowie State University (MD)
• Travis Chambers, Fitchburg State University (MA)
• Nathan Cochran, Harris-Stowe State University (MO)
• Minnette Ellis, University of North Alabama
• Karen Ferrer-Muniz, University of Massachusetts Boston
• Justin Gammage, California State University, Dominguez Hills
• Keith Humphrey, University of Northern Colorado
• Lara Luetkehans, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Michael Mancini, Thomas Edison State University (NJ)
• Chuck McKinnon, Fayetteville State University (NC)
• Jay Neal, University of Houston Sugar Land
• Christine Reed Davis, University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Matthew Robison, Georgia Gwinnett College
• Brian Selmeski, Fairmont State University (WV)
• Deborah Thien, California State University, Bakersfield
• Sarah Villarreal, California State University, San Marcos
• Melissa Wargo, Western Carolina University (NC)
• Shoshana Zeisman-Pereyo, Portland State University (OR)

Participants Selected by CIC

• Kimberly Battle-Walters Denu, Westmont College (CA)
• Stephanie Cosner, Simmons University (MA)
• Chris Boniforti, Lynn University (FL)
• Mollie Cecere, Carlow University (PA)
• Stephannie DeLong, Southwestern College (KS)
• James Gaddy, Albright College (PA)
• Norman Golar, Stillman College (AL)
• Meredith Green, Furman University (SC)
• Louis Guard, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)
• Andrew Kerkhoff, University of Puget Sound (WA)
• Todd McDorman, Wabash College (IN)
• Heather Moore Roberson, Allegheny College (PA)
• James Pillar, Monmouth University (NJ)
• Ahmed Radwan, University of Detroit Mercy (MI)
• Alexandra Socarides, Emerson College (MA)
• Ted Song, John Brown University (AR)
• Tonya Wagner, Viterbo University (WI)
• Joseph Wiegand, Reinhardt University (GA)

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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.