Socarides Selected for Executive Leadership Academy

Provost Alexandra Socarides traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this month as one of 36 academic leaders nationwide selected for the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), a competitive professional development program for senior administrators in higher education.  

ELA is offered through a partnership between the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI). The program provides participants with comprehensive leadership development, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

“I am excited to bring back all that I learned at the ELA Program. It is going to help me better support Emerson’s faculty and staff as they continue to build what I see as the most creative and innovative college for arts, communication, and media in the country,” Socarides said. “Even though we have a unique mission, there is so much we can learn from each other at this time. That’s the real value of this program.”

The two-day program was the first of two in-person seminars on key issues shaping higher ed, led by current and former college and university presidents and subject matter experts.

“On top of simply having the chance to meet some amazing higher ed leaders, we attended sessions on topics that will help all of us strengthen our institutions at this critical moment,” Socarides said. 

The group did a “deep dive” on topics such as working with boards, the changing landscape of higher ed funding, and handling high-level crises, she said. Sitting presidents presented on the challenges (and joys) they face as leaders in a rapidly evolving higher ed ecosystem. Participants also learned from each other as they shared opportunities facing their institutions.

“Independent colleges need strong, prepared leaders, now more than ever,” CIC President Marjorie Hass said in a press release. “ELA connects growth-minded professionals with the industry insights, peer networks, and strategic development they need to lead confidently through higher education’s evolving challenges.”