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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) is a premier leadership development program that provides individuals traditionally underrepresented in the highest ranks of higher education the opportunity to develop skills, gain a philosophical overview and build the network needed to advance to the presidency.

MLI was originally conceived by AASCU’s African-American presidents to ensure that the next generation of leaders in higher education reflects the diversity of our nation. The program identifies African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian and Pacific Islanders in senior-level positions who are interested in career advancement and helps them achieve that goal. MLI, however, accepts all qualified applicants who meet the requirements.

For a decade, MLI has reinforced the vital role that diversity plays in the institutional mission, assisting participants to advance in their careers and helping institutions diversify their executive leadership.

Overview

2009 MLI ProgramOriginally conceived by AASCU’s African-American presidents to ensure that the next generation of leaders in higher education reflects the diversity of our nation, MLI provides promising senior level administrators a focused and rigorous leadership development program.

Mentor Component

The Millennium Leadership Initiative Institute prepares the next generation of executive leaders in higher education. There are two components to the Institute. The first is an intensive four-day program of lectures and pertinent sessions that informs and advises the protégés about executive leadership at colleges and universities. Upon completion of the Institute, each protégé is assigned to a current or former president or chancellor as a mentor.

This mentoring component is the centerpiece of the MLI program. It is comprised of a yearlong protégé-mentor-relationship with a president of chancellor. There are frequent face-to-face meetings, personal consultation, evaluation of career options, and development of strategies for achieving the protégés career objectives. During this experience the protégés remain in their current position with their home institution.

Mentors will:

  1. Invite protégés for a campus visit to “shadow the president or chancellor,” including meetings with senior staff and key external community leaders;
  2. Provide protégés counsel and assistance to identify career development and leadership opportunities in higher education;
  3. Serve as a liaison to connect protégés to other pertinent individuals and resources as needed; Assist protégés to advance their leadership role in higher education;
  4. Assist protégés to refine and implement a professional development plan for their career;
  5. Provide an evaluation of the yearlong experience; and
  6. Notify the Director of the MLI, in a timely manner, of any problems or difficulties.

Protégés will:

  1. Commit to the yearlong component;
  2. Provide current vitae information;
  3. Share any revisions or additional information to their vitae;
  4. Confer and choose the best method and frequency for communication that works for both mentor and protégé;
  5. Confer with the mentor to identify leadership opportunities in higher education;
  6. Provide a mid-year status report and a concluding evaluation of the experience; and
  7. Notify the Director of the MLI, in a timely manner, of any problems or difficulties.

Protégé Selection Process

Criteria for Admission Presidents, chancellors, and chief executive officers are invited to nominate a promising senior administrator from education, government, or the private sector. Applicants must meet the criteria of having attained the level of college or university dean or above, or they have demonstrated equivalent administrative experience to participate in the MLI. All applicants must possess a terminal.