Leadership Development
The MCCA’s Student Success Framework recognizes that leadership is a foundational enabling condition to lead colleges toward transformational and systemic change.
The Leadership Academy is the signature leadership development opportunity at the MCCA to develop future leaders of community colleges. Presidents nominate individuals for the one-year experience. More than 200 alumni have completed the Leadership Academy and continue to engage with the MCCA.
Our partners across the nation have developed exceptionally valuable leadership development programs for future community college leaders with many alumni and faculty from Michigan engaged in the programs.
Program: Aspen Institute Rising Presidents Fellowship
Experience: The Fellowship is a year-long executive leadership experience that brings together a reform-minded group of up to 40 aspiring community college presidents. The program includes three residential sessions, mentoring from accomplished veteran presidents, and opportunities to apply learning from the seat of the president.
Length: 12 months
Application Deadline: Annually in the winter
Alumni and Affiliated Michiganders: Lisa Frieberger, Vice President of Finance and Administration (GRCC), Lori Gonko, Vice President, Strategy and Human Resources, Research and Planning (HFC),Kimberly Hurns, Vice Chancellor for Student Services (OCC), Russ Kavalhuna, President (HFC), Steve Robinson, President (LCC), Seleana Samuel, VP of Business Business Operations (LCC), John Selmon, President (MCC)
Program: Presidents Roundtable’s Thomas A. Lakin Leadership Institute
Experience: The Lakin Institute is a national professional growth program sponsored by the Presidents’ Round Table of African American CEOs of Community Colleges. The Institute offers a personal and professional growth experience for selected people who have shown a capability for broader leadership roles in community colleges’ existing or future responsibilities.
Length: One week
Application Deadline: Summer
Alumni and Affiliated Michiganders: Nerita Hughes, President (Bay College), L. Marshall Washington, President (Kalamazoo Valley), CharMaine Hines, Vice Chancellor, Academic Accountability and Policy (Wayne County)
Program: National Council for Black American Affairs (NCBAA) Carolyn Grubbs Williams Leadership Development Institute
Experience: In keeping with its mission, NCBAA presents the 20th Annual Leadership Development Institute for African American Mid-Level Administrators. The Institute prepares African Americans in community colleges for leadership roles to ensure that the pipeline to executive-level positions is fluid. NCBAA is committed to delivering an exemplary leadership development program for African Americans in community colleges to enhance their leadership skills and provide opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Length: One week
Application Deadline: Spring
Alumni and Affiliated Michiganders: L. Marshall Washington, President (Kalamazoo Valley)
Program: American Council on Education Women’s Network (MI-ACE) Senior-Level Leadership Job Shadow Program
Experience: The MI ACE Senior–Level Leadership Job Shadow Program provides mid-level women leaders who aspire to a senior-level position, the opportunity to gain impactful mentorship, learn from diverse institutional viewpoints and enhance professional knowledge and skills. This program utilizes best practices from established job shadow and fellowship resources which creates an exceptional experience for select women in higher education in Michigan. Length: One year customizable program.
Application Deadline: Summer 2025
Alumni and Affiliated Michiganders: Lisa Frieberger, Vice President of Finance and Administration (GRCC), Sally Welch, Provost and Senior VP of Academic Affairs (LCC), Erin Van Egmond, Vice President, College Advancement and Executive Director, GRCC Foundation (GRCC), Reva Curry, VP of Instruction and Learning Services (Delta)
Program: League for Innovation Executive Leadership Institute
Experience: ELI provides the opportunity for prospective community college presidents, or those in transition, to analyze their abilities, reflect on their interests, refine their skills, and engage in leadership discussions with an unparalleled faculty of community college leaders from across North America.
Application Deadline: December 2024 or January 2025
Alumni and Affiliated Michiganders: Mike Gavin, President (Delta), Dan Phelan, President (Jackson)
Program: AACC Future Presidents Institute
Experience: The AACC Future Presidents Institute provides hands-on experience for senior leaders aspiring to the community college presidency. The association has gathered years of research from new CEOs about what they wish they had known before assuming the presidency.
Application Deadline: Fall
Through appointments to Boards and Commissions, citizens can help develop policymaking and program-implementing decisions. The State of Michigan’s centralized portal provides a transparent way to explore available positions, understand the appointment process, and apply for an appointment. This platform enhances government openness, accountability, and public engagement.
MCCA Professional Association Leadership Alliance
The Michigan Community College Professional Associations Leadership Alliance (PALA) is a collaborative network of professional associations and affinity groups representing Michigan’s community colleges. Coordinated by the MCCA, PALA fosters information sharing, facilitates communication among member organizations, and provides updates on MCCA activities, legislative matters, and other key issues impacting community colleges across the state.
MCCA Student Success Resources
The Michigan Center for Student Success connects community college leaders, faculty, and staff with data, research, and best practices to improve student outcomes. The Data, Initiatives, and Resources page offers insights on expanding college access, increasing degree attainment, and addressing gaps in student success and career outcomes. Visit the site for tools, reports, and strategies to support student achievement and institutional improvement.
MCCA Leadership Academy Curriculum
The MCCA Leadership Academy is a premier professional development program designed to cultivate emerging leaders within Michigan’s community colleges. Participants, nominated by their college President or Chancellor, engage in a year-long learning journey featuring live sessions, hands-on projects, and expert-led experiential activities. The program builds a strong pipeline of skilled leaders prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education. The experience culminates in a capstone student success project and graduation at the annual MCCA Student Success Summit.