Advancing Academic Leadership for Deans

Advancing Academic Leadership for Deans

Geared Toward New and Transitioning Deans

Led by the Center for Creative Leadership in collaboration with AACN, Advancing Academic Leadership for Deans is a program that provides participants with an in-depth assessment experience, a range of content and exercises related to successful leadership, and the opportunity to establish a peer network that fosters long-term partnerships and collegial support.

The purpose of the Advancing Academic Leadership for Deans program is to enhance the executive leadership skills of individuals who seek a high-level skill set to maximize opportunities and meet challenges. This program was developed for deans new to their role or transitioning into a dean role at a new college or university.

This 13-month program features four face-to-face meetings with work done virtually between sessions. Individuals will conduct a Learning Development project at their institution, and the top four projects will be presented at an AACN Conference.

Applications are currently closed. The next application cycle will open in October 2026.

The development of evidence-based leadership skills in chief academic officers in schools of nursing is vital to the success of the baccalaureate and graduate nursing enterprise and critical for succession planning. Given the complex challenges being faced by these organizations, content in this program will include, but is not limited to:

  • Boundary Spanning Leadership
  • Building Effective Teams
  • Building Resiliency and Learning Agility
  • Direction-Alignment-Commitment
  • Access, Connection, and Engagement
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Creating High Performance Cultures with Better Conversations Everyday
  • Strategic Thinking, Acting and Influencing
  • Advancing Policy 

AACN, in collaboration with the Center for Creative Leadership, has developed an innovative, forward thinking, year-long immersion program for new deans in the first two years of their deanship that will include the following:

Program Structure

  • Prework: assessment battery, reading, and case studies
  • 4 face-to-face meetings
  • Learning Development project
  • Private online community 

The fee for this program is $4,600 and includes the curriculum taught by internationally recognized experts in leadership development, written materials, meals at one-day meetings, selected meals at the intensive experience, and access to online materials. Travel and hotel expenses are not included. 

Program meeting dates: 

  • March - Deans Annual Meeting in Washington, DC
  • June - Intensive leadership retreat at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC
  • October - Academic Nursing Leadership Conference in Washington, DC
  • March - Deans Annual Meeting in Washington, DC

Note: It is expected that all events will be attended in order to complete this fellowship. Specific timing for events will available at time of acceptance.

The program focuses on key leadership competencies needed in the academic nursing environment. The Advancing Academic Leadership for Deans program is devoted to general executive leadership development in an academic setting. 

The Advancing  Academic Leadership for Deans program is offered as a first come, first served opportunity resulting in a select group of leadership fellows to fill a limited number of seats. Applicants must be nurse educators employed at AACN member institutions and meet the eligibility criteria below.

Specific eligibility requirements:

  • Terminal degree (of any type) and current licensure in nursing 
  • Appointment as the chief academic officer
  • Letter indicating institutional support for the program, both financially, and in terms of release time to attend sessions
  • Commitment to complete all aspects of the program 

Applicants selected to participate in Advancing Academic Leadership for Deans will be expected to:  

  • Complete all the self-assessment processes by designated date
  • Attend all four face-to-face meetings
  • Complete a year-long Learning Development project
  • Participate in group discussions during the fellowship year via AACN’s Online Community - AACN Connect  
  • Commit to developing personal and professional skills to lead in the role of chief academic administrator of a school of nursing 

Selected participants will be expected to attend all four on-site meetings and complete the Learning Development project.

The fee for this program is $4,600 and includes the curriculum taught by internationally recognized experts in leadership development, written materials, meals at one-day meetings, selected meals at the intensive experience, and access to online materials. Travel and hotel expenses are not included. 

AACN expects participants to cover expenses related to the following program components:

  • March - Deans Annual Meeting in Washington, DC
    • Included: breakfast, lunch, and one reception
    • Not Included: Registration for the annual meeting. One extra room night in order to arrive at this annual meeting a day earlier than you might typically attend.
  • June - Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC 
    • Included: breakfast, lunch, and one dinner
  • October - Academic Nursing Leadership Conference in Washington, DC
    • Included: breakfast, lunch, and one dinner
    • Not Included: Registration for the conference. One extra room night in order to arrive at this conference a day earlier than you might typically attend.
  • March - Deans Annual Meeting in Washington, DC
    • Included: breakfast, lunch, and one reception
    • Not Included: Registration for the annual meeting. One extra room night in order to arrive at this annual meeting a day earlier than you might typically attend.

The next AALD application will open in October of 2026 with a due date in January 2027. If you would like to review a past application to get an idea of the process please review this document.

Note: dates will shift slightly, costs could increase, and questions might modify.

AACN congratulates both cohorts on their participation in the AALND program. Representing a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills, the AACN Fellows have developed their leadership skills specifically for their role of dean.

Meet the Program Fellows:


Contact

For more information, contact AACN's Associate Director of Online Learning and Engagement Alexa Tehansky at 202-463-6930 ext. 265.

Testimonials

"This experience will transform your ability to lead a strong team of individuals to positive outcomes."

"I am already thinking of how to work with our team to provide more clear direction and alignment."

"We made phenomenal connections and relationships. The content was amazing, and the entire experience was very helpful to me in my leadership role."

"The hands-on sharing and exercises that followed reviewing leadership materials were ome of the most helpful aspects of the program. I found it very rewarding to apply the learning to current new dean situations and challenges."

"The individual challenges to dig deeper and engage within ourselves were incredible. The conversations brought so much depth and insight. I have no words for this amazing experience."

"I see myself differently. I feel like I have a "team" scattered across this country that I can go to at any time for help!"

"Connecting with my colleagues and forging lasting relationships is a valuable experience."


AALD Cohort 4 group image