Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Christine Reed Davis will join other higher education leaders at a gathering in Washington, D.C., to begin the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), a distinguished program designed to prepare experienced administrators for senior executive roles across colleges and universities.

"I am honored to be selected for the Executive Leadership Academy and excited for the opportunity join an accomplished cohort of higher education leaders from across the country,” Reed Davis said. “Throughout my career, I have believed that leadership is a continual learning journey, and I am looking forward to engaging with experienced colleagues from many institutions, exploring the complex issues facing higher education, and challenging myself to think more broadly about institutional leadership. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow as a leader and bring those insights back to UNCW as we continue advancing our work in student success and engagement."

ELA is offered through a collaborative partnership among the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI). Together, these organizations provide participants with a comprehensive experience that emphasizes leadership development, mentorship and professional networking.

“Christine’s selection is a well-deserved recognition of her talent, experience and dedication to student success,” UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety said. “She leads with clarity, purpose and a deep commitment to growth, and I know she will both learn from and contribute meaningfully to this academy. This opportunity will amplify her voice, making her an even stronger advocate for our students as we continue to elevate the Seahawk experience on our campus and in our community.”

The program opens with the first of two in-person seminars on June 15–16, bringing cohort members together for an intensive learning experience led by current and former presidents, as well as subject matter experts, addressing key issues shaping higher education today.

“At a time of significant change across the higher education landscape, programs like ELA play a critical role in supporting and preparing the next generation of institutional leaders,” said Charles L. Welch, AASCU’s president and CEO. “Through our partnership, we are proud to invest in leaders who are deeply committed to their campuses and communities.”

Following a competitive selection process, 36 higher education professionals have been chosen for the 2026-27 cohort. Representing a broad cross-section of institutions, participants include senior leaders such as provosts and vice presidents who are preparing to step into presidential and chancellor roles.

“Independent colleges need strong, prepared leaders now more than ever," said CIC President Marjorie Hass. "ELA connects growth-minded professionals with the industry insights, peer networks and strategic development they need to lead confidently through higher education’s evolving challenges.”

Since its inception in 2009, ELA has cultivated a strong pipeline of executives, with many alumni advancing to top leadership positions nationwide. The program equips these leaders with the strategic insight and adaptability required to navigate the evolving demands of higher education.

View more information on the CIC program page or the AASCU program page. 

Participants Selected by AASCU

Guy-Alain Amoussou, Bowie State University (MD)

Travis Chambers, Fitchburg State University (MA)

Nathan Cochran, Harris-Stowe State University (MO)

Minnette Ellis, University of North Alabama

Karen Ferrer-Muniz, University of Massachusetts Boston

Justin Gammage, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Keith Humphrey, University of Northern Colorado

Lara Luetkehans, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Michael Mancini, Thomas Edison State University (NJ)

Chuck McKinnon, Fayetteville State University (NC)

Jay Neal, University of Houston Sugar Land

Christine Reed Davis, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Matthew Robison, Georgia Gwinnett College

Brian Selmeski, Fairmont State University (WV)

Deborah Thien, California State University, Bakersfield

Sarah Villarreal, California State University, San Marcos

Melissa Wargo, Western Carolina University (NC)

Shoshana Zeisman-Pereyo, Portland State University (OR)

Participants Selected by CIC

Kimberly Battle-Walters Denu, Westmont College (CA)

Stephanie Cosner, Simmons University (MA)

Chris Boniforti, Lynn University (FL)

Mollie Cecere, Carlow University (PA)

Stephannie DeLong, Southwestern College (KS)

James Gaddy, Albright College (PA)

Norman Golar, Stillman College (AL)

Meredith Green, Furman University (SC)

Louis Guard, Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)

Andrew Kerkhoff, University of Puget Sound (WA)

Todd McDorman, Wabash College (IN)

Heather Moore Roberson, Allegheny College (PA)

James Pillar, Monmouth University (NJ)

Ahmed Radwan, University of Detroit Mercy (MI)

Alexandra Socarides, Emerson College (MA)

Ted Song, John Brown University (AR)

Tonya Wagner, Viterbo University (WI)

Joseph Wiegand, Reinhardt University (GA)