Berea College Dean of Labor Named as New Leadership Academy Fellow
BEREA, Ky. – Berea College Dean of Labor Collis Robinson has been selected as a New Leadership Academy (NLA) Fellow.
The New Leadership Academy is a nationally recognized American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)-housed leadership development program focused on applied leadership practice, coaching and research-informed approaches to leading change in higher education.
The fellowship spans six months and includes immersive case-based learning, small-group facilitation, individualized coaching and mentorship from nationally recognized leaders. Participation reflects both individual selection and institutional investment in leadership development.
“Being selected as n NLA Fellow is an honor, and it will equip me to continue applying research-informed leadership practices that strengthen our institution while engaging in national conversations about effective leadership in higher education,” Robinson said.
The NLA Fellows Program offers fellows immersive, real-world leadership practice through case studies and small-group facilitation in both virtual and in-person settings. Over six months, fellows gain personalized coaching, research-informed strategies, and direct mentorship from nationally recognized leaders and presenters. With a focus on practical application and meaningful connections, this experience equips fellows with the confidence, tools, and network to lead transformative change in higher education.
The curriculum for the NLA Fellows Program draws on leadership and organizational theories to reframe leadership as a set of skills that can be taught and applied to practice.
NLA has a strong history of collaboration across associations and higher education institutions to ensure a consistently diverse cohort across professional roles, institutional mission and size, and leadership experiences. In 2021, with the retirement of its founding directors, NLA transitioned from the University of Michigan to the University of Utah. In 2024, NLA moved to AAC&U and is now in its 11th year of operation.
The curriculum for NLA is premised on building an informed and effective connection between leaders and those they have pledged to serve. NLA provides the knowledge, tools and courage for participants to act as leaders – both as individuals and collectively – in informal and formal leadership positions.
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