A new class of 32 senior-level higher education professionals, including Irem Tumer, vice president for research at Oregon State University, will participate in the 2021 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), a leadership development program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
“I look forward to engaging in many strategic conversations on the future of higher education with an amazing group of diverse senior leaders,” Tumer said.
MLI provides individuals traditionally underrepresented in the highest ranks of postsecondary education with the opportunity to develop skills, gain a philosophical overview, and build the network and knowledge needed to advance to a college president or chancellor position.
“During the past year, it has become more evident how important diversity, equity, and inclusion are,” said Mary Evans Sias, director of the program and assistant to AASCU’s president. “With the selection of this class, we are hoping to reflect the diversity of this nation and the institutions that our protégés serve. We are proud to welcome our next class and are grateful to them for joining with us to secure the higher education leadership pipeline.”
Since MLI’s inception 22 years ago, 662 protégés have graduated from the program. One-fifth of MLI graduates have become a president or chancellor, and more than one-third have advanced significantly to other leadership positions within higher education, including at the state level.
The 2021 institute will feature virtual programming—four meetings a month from March 17 to May 26. Additionally, it includes a tentative, in-person meeting in the fall. Protégés will also have a yearlong mentorship with an experienced president or chancellor and four months of professional coaching from a retired president or chancellor.
View the full list of protégés.
