The MCCA Leadership Academy
The MCCA Leadership Academy stands as a beacon of professional development in the community college sector, dedicated to fostering the growth of emerging leaders throughout Michigan. Participants are nominated by their community college President or Chancellor. This hands-on, Michigan-specific program is carefully curated to build a robust pipeline of adept leaders capable of steering community colleges toward a future marked by excellence and innovation. Through a series of live sessions, action-based learning projects, and experiential activities guided by expert facilitators, participants undergo a transformative learning journey.
Leadership Academy Cohort Directory
The 2026-27 Leadership Academy cohort includes 37 members from 24 community colleges. These leaders represent roles throughout the community college including faculty, staff, administrators, and executive leaders.
View the 2026-27 Leadership Academy Cohort
Leadership Academy Experience
The MCCA Leadership Academy is a year-long learning journey that includes six live sessions and a capstone student success project and graduation experience in conjunction with the annual MCCA Student Success Summit.
Discover our carefully curated resource section, a repository of valuable materials designed to support fellows' growth and development throughout the program.
The Academy curriculum is rich and dynamic. Developed in collaboration with the National Center for Inquiry & Improvement and the Aspen College Excellence Program, the curriculum guides participants in exploring roles in leadership, student goals, student experience, leadership traits, institutional change, and external partnerships.
Thanks to our funders for their generous support of the MCCA Leadership Academy!
Continued Professional Development
Graduation from the MCCA Leadership Academy is a milestone—not the end of the leadership journey. Leadership Academy alumni have opportunities to continue developing their skills, expand their professional networks, pursue advanced education, and contribute to student success efforts across Michigan’s community colleges.
Through MCCA partnerships and ongoing alumni engagement, graduates can explore pathways that build upon their Leadership Academy experience, including doctoral education opportunities with Ferris State University and the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), continued professional development, and opportunities to remain engaged in MCCA initiatives.
Doctoral Education Opportunities
Ferris State University awards 3 credits toward the opportunity to earn a Doctorate in Community College Leadership (DCCL). The Ferris doctor of education (Ed.D.) program is a blended experience with a mix of online and occasional face-to-face meetings. For more information about the program, courses, scholarships, current students, and faculty can be found on FSU’s website.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) awards 6 credits toward the opportunity to earn a Doctorate of Management in Community College Policy and Administration (“DMCCPA”). Information about UMGC’s programs, including degrees and certificate programs, academic requirements for admission, credit hours required for programs, and cost information is available on UMGC’s website.
Want More Information?
Contact Precious Miller, at pmiller@mcca.org
