Dean of the College Todd McDorman is part of a new cohort of higher education leaders who gathered in Washington, D.C., last month to begin the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA).
The ELA is a year-long program designed to prepare experienced administrators for executive roles in higher education. It is offered through a collaborative partnership among the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the American Academic Leadership Institute.
“I look forward to the extended opportunity to hear and learn from other higher education leaders, particularly
those in different sectors of higher education, as this program brought together influential people from both private and public institutions,” said McDorman, also a professor of rhetoric. “Through the ELA, I want to supplement my existing knowledge and expertise in ways that can make me more effective for Wabash College; allow me to better support President Feller, our faculty, staff, and students; and be a better colleague to other members of our senior staff.”
The ELA provides participants with an engaging and comprehensive experience that focuses on leadership development, mentorship, and professional networking. The program opened with a seminar, June 15–16, bringing the cohort together for an intensive, in-person learning experience led by current and former presidents and subject-matter experts, addressing issues currently affecting higher education.
“To spend two full days together creates a connection that makes everyone more invested,” McDorman explained. “Discovering how these colleagues got to where they are and acknowledging our shared experiences is a relational element that is important in establishing a network.”
McDorman appreciated the wealth of experience that the 36 members of the cohort presented. There was an even split of public and private institutions represented, as well as chief academic and financial officers, enrollment management and student life personnel, in addition to positions of strategy and innovation.
The initial experience left McDorman with a slew of questions to reflect on over the next year.
“How can I better partner with professional development in melding academic experience and workplace preparation in ways that stay true to the goals of each?” he said. “How can I expand my understanding of how to work most effectively with trustees? Most of all, I'd like to learn more about donor relations and advancement. Those are some specifics I'm thinking about with my goal to be a more effective leader for Wabash. If I can do that, I'll be more able to cultivate the best in others.”
Since 2009, the ELA has cultivated an executive pipeline with numerous alumni advancing to top leadership positions nationally. The program equips these leaders with the strategic insight and adaptability required to navigate the evolving demands of higher education with a robust program, including a second in-person seminar in Washington, D.C., in June 2027.
Beyond that, each participant will create a Professional Experience Plan designed to eliminate gaps of experience and expertise, receive mentorship from their president and the ELA program director, participate in peer-to-peer guided webinars, regional gatherings, and other activities, as well as individualized executive coaching.