New Leadership Academy (NLA)
2025 Fellows Program

The New Leadership Academy Fellows Program (NLA) was founded as a partnership between the University of Utah and the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE). Previously hosted by the National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good (National Forum) at the University of Michigan, the NLA transitioned to the University of Utah in February 2021.

The NLA curriculum and learning objectives draw upon traditional leadership theory and contemporary scholarship that investigate the roles of leaders under highly contested and complex conditions. Fellows participate in tailored programs and activities, which include online learning modules and discussions, an interactive case study simulation, written reflections, and coaching sessions throughout the Fellowship.

Upon completion, NLA Fellows will:

  • Recognize the challenges inherent in meeting the responsibilities associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion as overarching concerns in U.S. colleges and universities.
  • Acquire sophistication in re-envisioning values and institutional imperatives that translate into dynamic, focus-driven strategies for higher education organizations.
  • Gain specialized knowledge and tools necessary to provide highly effective leadership within and outside complex institutional settings.

Who Should Apply?

  • Those who represent a range of backgrounds, encompassing ethnicities, ages, institution or organization backgrounds, professional interests, and levels (or years) of experience in higher education and related fields.  Those who evince a commitment to creating inclusive communities where everyone can thrive within their unit/team/department, organization, community, and institutions.
  • Participants who generally hold mid- to senior-level positions and bring expertise in working with students, policymakers, foundations, and/or higher education leadership.
  • Those who can fully commit to all forms of participation during the NLA Fellowes experience in order to optimize the benefits of the fellowship engagement.
  • The New Leadership Academy Health Sciences Fellows Track is a new course of leadership development in the NLA Fellows Program aimed at preparing leaders with the knowledge, tools, and courage to meet the challenges associated with highly contested and complex health systems. Unlike traditional leader development programs, the NLA Health Sciences Track offers mid-career professionals in the health sciences a robust cohort experience where Fellows are supported and can learn together about the challenges of the healthcare and health sciences fields. Health science clinicians, faculty, administrators, researchers, and staff are all encouraged to apply. (Application and Timeline for Health Sciences is different please see website linked above)

Application Materials

  • Responses to several short answer questions
  • Current CV
  • A reference who can provide a recommendation for the applicant’s participation in the NLA Fellows Program. The individual(s) must be able to speak to the applicant’s leadership potential, skills, and abilities.

Program Fee

No payment is necessary until you have been accepted into the NLA Fellows Program. Upon receipt of your admission notification, you will receive detailed instructions outlining the next steps in the process. There are limited partial NLA scholarships available which are part of the application process. Please note that scholarship awards are prioritized for early-bird applicants—if you wish to apply for a scholarship make sure to submit your materials early!

  • Early-Bird Deadline: Monday, September 23, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MT (Program Fee: $5,250)
  • Regular Deadline: Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. MT (Program Fee: $5,750)

Nominations

The NLA Fellows Program invites nominations of outstanding individuals who have a demonstrated record of leadership at their respective institutions or organizations. Nominations of demonstrated leaders in public policy or philanthropic organizations are also encouraged to participate in NLA. If you would like to nominate a candidate for the Fellows program, please complete the form below (here is the link – https://utahsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mQ9RxLBh8QY7NI). Only individuals who are acquainted with the nominee and can attest to their leadership potential, skills, and abilities should submit a nomination.

Program Timeline

The following key dates apply to the upcoming NLA 2025 cohort application and selection process:

  • Early-Bird Application Deadline: Monday, September 23, 2024
  • Regular Application Deadline: Monday, October 21, 2024
  • Online Orientation Start Date: January 2025
  • Coursework Start Date: January 2025
  • NLA Summer Institute: Monday, June 2 - Friday, June 6, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Expectations

The quality of the New Leadership Academy Fellows Program experience is contingent on the participation and engagement of each Fellow in the carefully designed residential Summer Institute and online curriculum. Monthly leadership webinars and discussions are required for NLA Fellows.

Benefits to NLA Fellows

The New Leadership Academy Fellows Program (NLA) provides participants with the opportunity to:

  • Become part of a select group who will be invited to take part in ongoing seminars and conferences on emerging issues of leadership in higher education and associated fields.
  • Interact with distinguished faculty, senior administrators, and policymakers drawn from a variety of institutions and national associations.
  • Acquire specialized knowledge and tools needed to provide highly effective leadership within complex institutional settings.
  • Build a network of future executive leaders who will be stewards for the future of higher education.