UCM’s Rollins Named to AASCU’s 2024 Emerging Leaders Program

By Alex Greenwood, July 15, 2024

University of Central Missouri (UCM) Professor Ronnie Rollins was named to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2024 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). 

The ELP leadership program is designed to prepare academic and administrative professionals who are exploring opportunities to advance to higher-level administrative positions. Rollins, the associate dean of the UCM College of Health, Science, and Technology, joins 34 other professionals in this year’s cohort.

“I am honored to be selected for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities's 2024 Emerging Leaders Program. This prestigious opportunity recently allowed me to join a cohort of exceptional peers in Washington, D.C., where we explored critical higher education topics and innovative practices,” Rollins said.

He added, “Participating in this program is enhancing my leadership skills and broadening my understanding of the challenges and opportunities currently facing higher education. This experience aligns with my career goals to serve in higher education administration, helping me to contribute more effectively to our academic community.”

Since it launched in 2015, ELP has provided participants with the skills, connections and support needed to transition into higher-level roles in academia and successfully handle increased responsibility and oversight. Beyond the meeting in Washington, D.C., members will participate in interactive virtual sessions over the remainder of the six-month program, discussing topics ranging from modern-day leadership challenges to best practices for an executive search.

In addition to learning from the robust in-person and online curriculum, ELP cohort members will take the lead on their home campuses, with the aim of increasing retention, belonging, student success and stewardship of place, among others. Under the guidance of an on-campus sponsor and project advisor, participants sharpen their managerial and leadership skills through activities like leading a project for a division or conducting research on a challenge their campus faces to construct data-driven solutions.