Dr. Lorraine Acker, Vice President for Student Affairs at SUNY Brockport, has been selected as one of 26 higher education professionals nationwide to join the 2025–2026 cohort of the Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), a premier program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
The MLI is a distinguished leadership development program designed to prepare senior-level professionals for the challenges of college and university presidencies and chancellorships. Through intensive workshops, high-level discussions, and hands-on training, participants gain critical insight and experience necessary for top leadership roles in higher education.
Candidates for the MLI are selected through a rigorous process overseen by a committee of current presidents and chancellors. Applicants must demonstrate:
•Proven leadership experience in higher education administration
•A terminal degree and extensive senior executive experience in academia, government, or the private sector
The program features a blended learning model that includes both virtual and in-person seminars. Dr. Acker attended the in-person sessions in Washington, D.C., from June 11 through 14, where she received mentorship from sitting and former college presidents, including guidance from MLI’s President-in-Residence, Mickey Burnim. Participants also engaged in a unique shadowing experience, following their assigned mentors to better understand the responsibilities of presidential leadership.
Since its inception, MLI has served 777 college and university leaders, with 166 advancing to presidential or chancellor roles – 46 of whom have served in multiple presidencies or chancellorships.
To learn more about the MLI program, visit https://aascu.org/leadership-development/millennium-leadership-initiative/.
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