Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) Meeting in Kigali
Graduation of the 2024-2025 Cohort and Welcoming of the 2025-2026 Cohort
Following the IAU 2025 International Conference, the Association convened the Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together higher education leaders from around the world for an intensive week of exchange, learning, and reflection. The meeting marked both the conclusion of the 2024–2025 cohort’s journey and the launch of the 2025–2026 cohort.
ELP Cohorts 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
During the event, the 2024–2025 cohort completed their final two modules. Module 11: Driving Change in the Institution, facilitated by Patrick Deane, examined strategies for leading institutional transformation in complex and evolving contexts. Module 12: Communicating the Role of Higher Education in Society, which took the form of an open discussion faciliated by Chris Brink, Patrick Deane, and Renée T. White, explored how university leaders can effectively articulate institutional value and impact to diverse stakeholders.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the cohort’s capstone projects, which reflected the breadth of challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions globally. Topics ranged from institutional development and student engagement to governance, innovation, and long-term planning. Projects included, among others:
Driving Commercialization: Integrating Innovation and Purpose
Ethical Leadership for Student Leaders
A Human Rights Based University
Unconventional Approaches to Addressing University Budgetary Gaps: Leveraging Available Resources, Students, and Faculty
Bridging the Link Between Culture and Strategy For Sustainable Organizational Transformation and Success
Cultivating Leaders Who Cultivate Leaders
These presentations showcased how participants applied insights gained throughout the programme to address strategic priorities in their institutions. Following the presentations, the cohort formally graduated and received their ELP learning badges.
ELP Cohort 2025-2026
The meeting also welcomed the 2025–2026 cohort, who began their programme with the first three modules. Module 1: The Changing Mission of Universities, facilitated by Chris Brink, examined the evolving societal expectations placed on higher education. Module 2: Effective Leadership, Governance, and Risk Management, led by Andrew Deeks, focused on institutional resilience and authentic decision-making. Module 3: Creating and Managing Effective Teams, facilitated by Renée T. White, explored approaches to building and sustaining high-performing, diverse teams.
The Kigali meeting reaffirmed the ELP’s role in strengthening leadership capacities across higher education systems. By combining in-person exchanges with year-round online sessions, the programme equips both current and emerging heads of institutions with the strategic, managerial, and interpersonal tools needed to lead effectively in an increasingly complex global landscape. Through peer-to-peer learning and the guidance of experienced facilitators, participants continue to build a global network dedicated to shaping the future of higher education.
