Purpose and Vision
The Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers (TCCAO) will launch the Academic Executive Leadership Program, a statewide initiative designed to strengthen the pipeline of senior academic leaders preparing for Chief Academic Officer roles. Building on the success of the Texas Academic Leadership Academy (TALA), this program offers immersive, cross-institutional experiences that combine leadership development, mentorship, and applied learning.
Program Goals
- Develop executive-level competencies among senior academic leaders.
- Foster collaboration and networking across Texas institutions.
- Provide practical insight into institutional leadership through shadowing and project-based learning.
- Support succession planning and retention strategies for Texas higher education.
Target Participants
Senior academic leaders (e.g., deans, associate provosts) who are direct report to or one level removed from Chief Academic Officer at TCCAO member institutions. Participants must be nominated by their Chief Academic Officer and supported for time and travel.
Program Components
- Leadership Development Workshops: Cohort-based sessions led by Chief Academic Officers and scheduled in alignment with TCCAO quarterly meetings.
- Immersive Shadowing: 30–40 hours with Chief Academic Officers or senior leaders at a different institution(s), offering flexible formats (week-long immersion or multiple visits).
- Capstone Deliverable: Either a strategic mini-project co-developed with the host institution or a leadership reflection.
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
Value Proposition
This program enhances leadership readiness, strengthens cross-institutional collaboration, and provides a strategic succession planning tool for Texas universities. Participation adds professional prestige for fellows and institutions while addressing statewide executive academic leadership development needs.
Thank you to the efforts of the ad hoc committee members for their leadership developing and launching the 2026 TCCAO AEL Program:
- Mohamed Abdelrahman, TAMU San Antonio
- John Hayek, TXST System
- Andrew Hippisley, UT Arlington
- Holly Hutchins, UNT
- Serenity Rose King, UT System
- James Palmer, TAMU Kingsville
- Brett Welch, Lamar U
- Amber Smallwood, UNT Health
