Program Overview

This program builds on the success of the Texas Academic Leadership Academy (TALA) and offers a unique opportunity for selected fellows to:

1. Participate in leadership development workshops aligned with TCCAO meetings.
2. Engage in shadowing experiences with Chief Academic Officers and senior academic leaders across Texas institutions.
3. Collaborate on a capstone project or leadership reflection.
4. Expand their professional network and leadership readiness.

Eligibility

Nominees must be:

• Senior academic leader (e.g., deans, associate provosts)
• Direct report to or one level removed from Chief Academic Officer
• In receipt of institutional support to participate (including time and travel funding) from their institution’s Chief Academic Officer
• From a TCCAO member institution

Program Timeline

• January 2026: Nominations and host interest declarations open
• March 1, 2026: Nominations close
• April 2026: Fellows selected, invited to TCCAO meeting, matched with host institutions
• June–December 2026: Shadowing experience(s) and workshops
• January 2027: Brief presentations at TCCAO Winter Retreat

Nomination Process

Each institution may nominate up to two candidates. Selection will be competitive. Nomination packets should be emailed to Chris Lyons (clyons@utsystem.edu) and must include:

1. Letter of nomination from university’s Chief Academic Officer
2. Completed application form by nominee
3. Nominee CV

Host Institutions

TCCAO institutions are invited to express interest in hosting fellows. Hosts may offer shadowing opportunities in areas such as:

• Strategic planning
• Enrollment management
• Curriculum development
• Shared governance
• Budgeting and resource allocation
• Special project or initiative

Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

Questions about the AEL program should be directed to Chris Lyons Clyons@UTSystem.edu and cc: Dr. Amber Smallwood Amber.Smallwood@UNTHealth.edu.