Rural Higher Education Leadership Institute
The Rural Higher Education Leadership Institute, offered by the Appalachian College Association (ACA) in collaboration with Credo, aims to empower leaders in private rural and rural-serving institutions. The Institute begins in February 2026 and continues through September 2026. This strategic partnership and program are designed to develop aspiring campus leaders with a particular focus on leadership in the rural institutional context.
Program Overview
This unique program focuses on developing leaders across all areas of campus strategy and operations. Participants will have the opportunity to evaluate their skills, gifts, and calling in alignment with the specific needs of small, rural higher education institutions. Throughout the program, participants will gain insights into their leadership styles, create roadmaps for personal growth, and enhance their capacity to address opportunities and challenges faced by leaders in rural higher education.
Throughout the program, participants will explore key topics in rural higher education through a series of webinars and readings. These virtual engagements will include at least:
- Recruiting and retaining students at rural institutions
- Creating campus belonging for faculty and staff at rural institutions
- Institutional finance and advancement in the rural context
- Community partnerships for rural institutions
Upon completion of the Institute, participants will have:
- An improved understanding of the demands on leaders in contemporary higher education settings, and be equipped with tools to apply in their own leadership
- An increased ability to engage effectively both across their own institution and within the larger context of higher education beyond their functional area
- An enhanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural-serving institutions and the role of leaders in the sector
- A clear evaluation of their own leadership gifts, gauging their own readiness for leadership
- An action plan for growth toward their own goals
Program Dates
Participants engage in both in-person and web-based programming. Events with an asterisk (*) are webinars; all webinars are offered from 1:30pm – 3pm EST. Smaller discussion groups will convene via Zoom approximately a week after each of the webinars.
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February 24-26, 2026 -- In-person opening workshop at Berea College (KY)
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March 30, 2026 -- Athletics: A New Focal Point for Institutional Strategy*
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April 27,2026 -- Using Data for Strategic Impact*
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June 1, 2026 -- Institutional Optimization: Aligning Resources with Strategic Priorities*
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June 29, 2026 -- Recruit to Retain: Authentic Storytelling and Institutional Value Proposition*
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July 27, 2026 -- Navigating the Search Process*
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August 31, 2026 -- Everyone’s Job: Leading for Student Success*
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September 22-23, 2026 -- In-person closing workshop as a pre-conference at Summit in Asheville, NC
Details
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The cost for participation is $500 for faculty or staff from ACA member institutions, due upon registration. This covers the cost of all Institute sessions, as well as meals associated with the in-person workshops. Participants are responsible for their travel and lodging costs for the opening and closing workshops.
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We have reserved a room block at the Boone Tavern for the February in-person workshop.
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Use this link with the Group ID code 286431 to reserve accommodations.
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Or call the hotel directly at 859-985-3700 and let them know you are with the group Appalachian College Association.
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The room block expires January 25, 2026.
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Registration closes December 15, 2025.
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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
For more information please contact Alexa.
