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Appalachian College Association
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Rural Higher Education Leadership Institute: Home

Rural Higher Education Leadership Institute

The Rural Higher Education Leadership Institute, offered by the Appalachian College Association (ACA) in collaboration with Credo, aims to empower leaders in private rural and rural-serving institutions. The Institute is slated to begin in February 2025 and continue through September 2025. This strategic partnership and program are designed to develop aspiring campus leaders with a particular focus on leadership in the rural institutional context.

Program Overview

This unique program focuses on developing leaders across all areas of campus strategy and operations. Participants will have the opportunity to evaluate their skills, gifts, and calling in alignment with the specific needs of small, rural higher education institutions. Throughout the program, participants will gain insights into their leadership styles, create roadmaps for personal growth, and enhance their capacity to address opportunities and challenges faced by leaders in rural higher education.  

Throughout the program, participants will explore key topics in rural higher education through a series of webinars and readings. These virtual engagements will include at least:

  • Recruiting and retaining students at rural institutions
  • Creating campus belonging for faculty and staff at rural institutions
  • Institutional finance and advancement in the rural context
  • Community partnerships for rural institutions

Upon completion of the Institute, we anticipate that participants will have:

  • An improved understanding of the demands on leaders in contemporary higher education settings, and be equipped with tools to apply in their own leadership
  • An increased ability to engage effectively both across their own institution and within the larger context of higher education beyond their functional area
  • An enhanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural-serving institutions and the role of leaders in the sector
  • A clear evaluation of their own leadership gifts, gauging their own readiness for leadership
  • An action plan for growth toward their own goals

 

Details

  • The cost for participation is $500 for faculty or staff from ACA member institutions, due upon registration. This covers the cost of all Institute sessions, as well as meals associated with the in-person workshops. Participants are responsible for their travel and lodging costs for the opening and closing workshops.

  • We have reserved a room block at the Knoxville Airport Hilton for the February in-person workshop. Use this link to reserve accommodations. The room block expires January 20, 2025.

  • Please note: Registration closes December 1, 2024

  • CLICK TO REGISTER

For more information please contact Beth Rushing.