The Leadership and Mentoring Institute (LMI) concept was initiated in the fall of 1996 by members of the Black Caucus of the former American Association of Higher Education (AAHE). Concerned with the decline in professional development workshops, the Caucus sought a way to address this issue. However, what became apparent while the idea was in its infancy was a need for more intensive, sustained, and coherent professional development opportunities for African Americans desiring to advance through the academy’s administrative and professional ranks. The Caucus wanted to provide an experience to mitigate the effect of the glass ceiling in higher education for African Americans, who would cite isolation and a lack of support needed to be successful. One concrete solution surfaced was to sponsor a Leadership and Mentoring Institute for Caucus members and other African Americans to help them acquire information and skills to prepare for senior administrative positions and academic rank. The inaugural Leadership and Mentoring Institute, held in 2003 on the campus of Savannah State University under the leadership of Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr., instituted two program tracks for participants. One track was for those seeking to move into senior administrative positions and the other was for junior faculty hoping to move into the tenured senior academic ranks. In each program track, participants are exposed to leaders from various disciplines and functional areas, who have successfully navigated the higher education maze. A network of mentors to guide participants in moving to the next phase of academic leadership is offered through LMI alumni and American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE) members.
Today, LMI remains a vehicle for helping people of color navigate higher education to increase their chances of being considered for senior administrative positions, gain tenure, and progress through the academic ranks. While this opportunity is open to faculty and staff of color, ALL are encouraged to apply. Furthermore, all application decisions and LMI content are the sole responsibility of AABHE.
LMI Application LMI Recommendation Tentative Schedule FAQs AABHE Website
DATE AND LOCATION
- July 14-20, 2024
- UNC Charlotte
QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 5 (five) years of administrative experience at the director level or above in higher education or a faculty member in a tenure-line position interested in pursuing a career in administration (e.g., department chair, Dean, provost)
- Master’s or Professional degree required, doctorate preferred
COST TO ATTEND
- The full cost for tuition and fees is $1799.
- The $799 application fee is applied to the tuition and fees leaving a balance of $1000 (payable upon acceptance but no later than May 23).
- Tuition and fees include the week-long Institute, curriculum materials, meals (unless otherwise noted in the acceptance materials), lodging, and transportation during the Institute.
- Participants are responsible for transportation to and from their homes to the host site.
- All participants are required to stay in the lodging provided by the Institute.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
- Priority Admission Deadline: February 28, 2024
- Regular Admission Deadline: April 10, 2024