“There is not a guidebook on how to be a college president. You really can only learn from other presidents,” says Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes, president of York College, part of the City University of New York system (CUNY).
Eanes is an alumna of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI).
“AASCU and MLI has given me a chance to learn from some of the most dynamic leaders in the country,” says Eanes. “It made the difference in my next step.
Some people in academia envision themselves in leadership positions. And for individuals desirous of enhancing their knowledge and leadership skills, there are leadership development programs such the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program and the MLI.
“The ACE Fellows Program is really committed to diversifying the pipeline of leadership,” says Dr. Sherri Hughes, ACE assistant vice president for professional learning, and director of the ACE Fellows Program. “We encourage colleges and universities to identify diverse candidates for the program.”
Preparation to lead
Since its launch in 1965, more than 2,000 emerging leaders have participated in the ACE Fellows Program, a customized learning experience that immerses fellows in the world of senior administration. Approximately 80% eventually work as senior leaders — presidents, vice presidents, chancellors and deans.
