The Western Academic Leadership Academy has announced its 10th cohort of chief academic officers, marking a decade of fostering leadership in higher education. The program, organized by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), offers a yearlong professional development experience aimed at equipping participants with essential skills and insights for leading in today's complex postsecondary environment.
The Academy is sponsored annually by two WICHE membership groups: the Western Academic Leadership Forum and the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders. These groups cater to four-year and two-year institutions in the western United States.
Last week, Boulder, Colorado hosted an intensive seminar as part of this yearlong initiative. This seminar marked the beginning of a process focused on enhancing leadership skills and functional knowledge among academic leaders aspiring to become chief academic officers within both two-year and four-year sectors across ten states.
Participants will work on developing practical skills in various areas such as academic affairs, fiscal affairs, student affairs, and external relationships. The program places special emphasis on addressing the unique geographical and institutional needs of higher education communities in the West.
Dr. Raymonda Burgman Gallegos, vice president of programs and services at WICHE, emphasized the importance of supporting aspiring leaders. "Supporting aspiring leaders in their development and growth is critically important to our mission at WICHE," she stated. "The postsecondary institutions in our region that we work with care deeply about preparing future leaders to assume these roles with confidence, thoughtful strategies, and a helpful network."
Since its inception in 2015, the Academy has seen several participants advance into significant roles such as interim provosts, provosts, presidents, and chancellors. A celebration marking its 10th anniversary is planned for later this year.