Introduction
The Big Ten Academic Alliance Academic Leadership Program, (ALP) provides intensive leadership and managerial development, addressing the challenges of academic administration at major research universities, like tightening budgets, changing student populations, and increasing pressures from external sources. Many of the program’s nearly 1,000 fellows have gone on to serve as college presidents, provosts, and deans.
During the academic year, MSU ALP Fellows visit two or three Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. In addition, they meet with campus and community leaders of their choosing, to complement their knowledge of policy and institutional organization with local insights and contacts.
Program Expectations
Fellows are expected to attend approximately 12 on-campus ALP sessions with MSU speakers; 3 three-day off-campus seminars; and 2 dinner events. MSU meetings will be scheduled after the Fellows meet to select speakers at the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year.
- 2024-2025 ALP Off-campus Seminars
- November 7-9, 2024 at University of Wisconsin
- February 6-8, 2025 at Big Ten Center in Rosemont, Illinois
- April 3-5, 2025 at Rutgers University
- 2025-2026 dates will be posted soon
Application Process
The Office of the Provost will provide funding for five individuals to participate in the Academic Leadership Program. MSU has two methods of selection to create a cross-institutional cohort of Fellows.
Tenure System, NSCL/FRIB, Health Programs Faculty, and Librarians
Four applicants will be selected through an application and interview process. Applicants should:
- be appointed in the tenure system, NSCL/FRIB, Library, or Health Programs faculty appointment systems
- have a strong faculty background and commitment to administration
- have a minimum of five years of professional experience in a university setting
Other MSU Faculty and Staff
The Provost will select one to two additional member(s) of the cohort in consultation with senior MSU leaders, from among the rest of the MSU faculty, academic staff, and support staff.
If your MSU appointment is not as a faculty member in the tenure system, NSCL, Library, or Health Programs system, and you wish to pursue the ALP, please contact your dean, vice president, or other senior administrator who can indicate their support for your participation. Please have them send a letter addressing why you would be a good candidate for the program (no longer than one page) to Cindi Leverich at youngcin@msu.edu once the process opens in late fall. Applicants in this category do not need to fill out the application.
Application Submission
Required elements include:
- Biographical statement (one-page limit briefly describing their career trajectory and experience most relevant to the program)
- CV (please limit to six pages)
- Letter of recommendation (two-page limit) from the applicant’s direct supervisor (dean or department chair/school director)
- Letter from the applicant clarifying why they want to participate in the ALP (two-page limit). This letter should include a brief synopsis of the applicant’s leadership trajectory (where they have been and where they want to go), an overview of the issues they see as critical for higher education leaders, an overview of their dedication to and involvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and a statement about their commitment to MSU.
A screening committee of administrators and past ALP Fellows appointed by the Office of the Provost will review the materials as a basis for selecting individuals to interview.
- The screening committee is expected to interview selected candidates virtually in late March/early April.
MSU and the Big Ten Academic Alliance reaffirm their commitment to diversity by strongly encouraging the participation of women and individuals of color.
Criteria for Selection
- Evidence of dedication to academic administration, leadership issues, and/or challenges in higher education (e.g., academic governance or significant leadership positions in public, private, or volunteer agencies or programs outside of higher education). Having a formal leadership role is not a criterion for selection but will strengthen the application.
- Ability to present a coherent statement that relates the personal and professional benefits of the Fellowship to the needs of the University and the mission and goals of the academic unit.
- Evidence that the nominee is committed and involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education.
- Willingness to commit the time needed to benefit from the Fellowship year.
- Evidence of endorsement from appropriate department/school or college level administrator (applicant’s direct supervisor).
Submit an application for 2025-2026 cohort.
Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM March 13, 2025.
Questions
Questions may be directed to Cindi Leverich (youngcin@msu.edu).