The Appalachian College Association, in collaboration with Credo, is thrilled to host the second cohort of the Rural Higher Education Leadership Institute (RHLI) in 2026. RHLI specifically aims to empower leaders in private rural and rural-serving institutions. Running from February 2026 and through September 2026, this hybrid program is designed to develop aspiring campus leaders with a particular focus on leadership in the rural higher education institutional context.  

The opening workshop will be held in person at Berea College (KY) February 24-26, 2026; the one-day closing workshop will be held in September 2026 as a part of Summit in Asheville, NC. All other monthly sessions will be offered online. Participants can expect to engage in conversations not only with higher education experts but to extend their network with colleagues from across the ACA. The monthly schedule can be found here along with additional logistical information.  

We look forward to providing not only a memorable and impactful professional experience for participants of this second cohort, but we also are excited to further develop a larger RHLI community more broadly. Join us! 

Click here to register by December 1, 2025.