Academic Leadership Program

Overview

The Academic Leadership Program (ALP), established in 1989, is a cornerstone initiative of the Leadership Institute. ALP is an intensive professional development experience designed to address the diverse and evolving landscape of higher education. The program empowers ALP Fellows to be effective academic leaders at all levels within research universities.

With more than 2,400 alumni, including college presidents, provosts, and deans, ALP has cultivated a legacy of distinguished academic leaders. By leveraging the collective expertise of its member institutions, the Big Ten Academic Alliance ensures that the ALP program remains highly relevant, impactful, and responsive to the changing needs to academic leadership.

ALP was created to specifically orient select talented and diverse faculty with the insights and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of academic administration at major research universities. The program fosters the development of leaders who can thrive in a variety of academic roles and contribute to the growth and success of their institutions.

Program Details 

ALP is a year-long extensive leadership development program that includes the following:

• One virtual orientation session
• Three three-day seminars, rotating among Big Ten Academic Alliance universities

Throughout the academic year, ALP Fellows also engage in on-campus activities, tailored to each institution, which further contribute to the leadership development and understanding of academic administration.

The program is specifically designed to address the unique challenges of academic administration at major research universities, providing Fellows with context and perspective to succeed in this dynamic environment. For more detailed information, refer to the ALP Goals and Objectives.

Who Should Attend

Each member institution selects five Fellows annually to participate in  ALP. Fellows are faculty or select executive-level professional staff who demonstrate emerging leadership potential. Appointed for a one-year term, Fellows are expected to fully engage in all aspects of the program, including seminars, online sessions, and institution-specific activities. Through this comprehensive experience, ALP Fellows gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders within their academic communities.