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Executive Fellows Program

Developing the Leaders Our Systems Need

The NASH Executive Fellows Program, curated for and exclusively available to members of NASH, builds the leadership capacity of current and rising executives across public higher education systems. This six-month, cohort-based program equips current and aspiring system leaders to meet the demands of today’s most complex challenges, while leveraging systemness to advance shared goals that serve students, communities, and the nation.

What the Executive Fellows Program Offers:

  • Two in-person intensives at the historic Wingspread Retreat
  • Individual coaching from experienced system leaders
  • Interactive webinars and structured peer learning
  • Personalized leadership plan based on real-world challenges
  • Tools from adaptive leadership, improvement science, and collective impact

The Executive Fellows Program is designed for individuals to better understand their leadership style and to leave equipped with skills to maximize their role in supporting student success, operational effectiveness, and community prosperity.

Who Should Apply:

  • System executives and rising leaders
  • Campus leaders with system-wide responsibilities
  • Professionals in academic affairs, student success, finance, HR, research, and policy

Why It Matters: 

Public higher education systems are powerful engines for economic mobility and community strength—but they're navigating tight budgets, declining enrollments, and political pressure. The NASH Executive Fellows Program empowers leaders to act decisively, foster innovation, and lead change at scale.

Fellows complete the program with a NASH Executive Fellows Certificate of Completion, designation as part of a growing cohort of NASH Executive Fellows, and stronger leadership skills in service to their system.

Join a community of leaders committed to transforming systems for the students and states they serve.

Interest & Nomination Form

Participants in the NASH Executive Fellows program will be asked to secure a nomination from their system head as part of their application.

If you're a prospective fellow seeking more information about the Executive Fellows Program, fill out the required elements of the form below.

If you're a system head providing a nomination for the program, fill out the entire form below.

To ensure a space, nominations will close on July 1, 2025.

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