Applicants to the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) are expected to serve in senior leadership positions in community colleges and to be qualified for a presidency by their educational and experiential backgrounds.

The typical applicant will hold an advanced degree and will have three or more years of experience as a senior-level administrator in a community college, usually reporting to the CEO at the campus or district level. ELI is designed primarily for those who have not yet served in a presidency. However, new community college CEOs and those contemplating a transition will also find ELI extremely valuable. Participants are selected from qualified applicants by a national review committee of established presidents.

ELI is an intensive experience, with session formats varying by topic and purpose. Participants should expect to fully immerse themselves in the December and January programs. In order to gain the largest advantage from ELI, it is recommended that participants not attempt to fulfill their job responsibilities on institute days. Family members are not encouraged to attend.

Participant Quotes

Participating in ELI was truly transformational for me. It prepared me not only for the presidential search process, but also for the realities of serving as a community college president especially during chaotic times. The experience helped me understand that effective leadership is rooted in authenticity. It gave me the confidence to lead as myself, trust my instincts, and recognize that I was fully capable of serving in this role, as well as be successful. I continue to draw on the relationships, lessons, and encouragement I gained through ELI as president of Iowa Valley Community College District.  

— Anne Howsare Boyens, Ph.D., President, Iowa Valley Community College District, ELI Class of 2022

Participating in the League for Innovation’s ELI was a transformative experience and a key part of my journey to becoming a college president. The program is carefully designed to prepare future community college leaders from all angles, including forward-looking leadership, collaboration, budgeting, institutional planning, and student success. Just as importantly, ELI helped me better understand what it truly means to lead a college with purpose and vision. The experience helped me shape my path to the presidency while learning alongside experienced leaders and peers from across the country. Everything I gained through the program has been valuable in my role, and to this day, I continue to apply lessons and insights from ELI in my work as president.

— Andrés A. Oroz, Ph.D., President, Wilbur Wright College, City Colleges of Chicago, ELI Class of 2023