New Leadership Academy Fellows Program, AAC&U

Posted by American Association of Colleges and Universities on July 22, 2025

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) New Leadership Academy (NLA) Fellows Program is a six-month leadership program designed to provide experienced professionals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate the complexities of today’s evolving academic landscape.

Grounded in the principle that a sense of belonging is essential for students, faculty, and staff, the program serves both as a model and a laboratory for developing leadership capacity at both individual and institutional levels.

The curriculum for the New Leadership Academy Fellows Program draws from leadership and organizational theories to reframe leadership as a set of skills that can be taught and applied to practice. The NLA Fellows Program offers fellows immersive, real-world leadership practice through case studies and small-group facilitation in both virtual and in-person settings. Over six months, fellows gain personalized coaching, research-informed strategies, and direct mentorship from nationally recognized leaders and presenters. With a focus on practical application and meaningful connections, this experience equips fellows with the confidence, tools, and network to lead transformative change in higher education.

The NLA Fellows Program prepares leaders through the core program. Specialized tracks offer additional curriculum to the core program in the areas of health sciences and STEM faculty at Hispanic Serving Institutions.

Learn more.