How to Apply?

Our programs Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Leadership Institute (AANHPILI), Black Leadership Institute (BLI), Disability Support Leadership Institute (DSLI), and Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI) are open to all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination laws. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria.

The SUNY Leadership Institutes are rigorous, in-depth programs which require significant commitment and time investment. Fellows are required to attend scheduled meetings, sessions, webinars, and leadership retreats, and complete assigned tasks. Participation in the Leadership Programs will also require time away from the Fellow’s workplace. For these programs to be impactful, each Fellow accepted into their respective programs must be fully supported by their campus leadership, including their direct supervisor.

The 10-month curriculum begins in January and ends in October, and includes, but is not limited to:

January: Kickoff with a two-day in-person orientation retreat (Albany)
February/March: Optional conference participation (pending available funding)
April: Two-day in-person leadership retreat (Albany)
June: Two-day in-person summer retreat (Albany)
September: Two-day in-person retreat (Albany)
October: One-day in-person capstone event (Albany)
Monthly: Group webinars with guest speakers (Virtual)
Ongoing: Additional webinars and conference calls with leadership experts as scheduled

The programs cover the costs associated with meetings, materials, speakers, and related expenses. Lodging, breakfast, and lunch are also provided during in-person meetings, when appropriate. However, participants are responsible for their own transportation and evening meals, which may require financial support from their home institution.

Full-time SUNY employees (e.g., Faculty or Staff) who are mid to senior level (Including Deans and VPs).
Must possess a minimum of one (1) year employed within the SUNY System, including its colleges and universities, and have worked at least three (3) years in higher education.
Have demonstrated proven leadership and administrative experience.
Are on a career path to higher levels of administrative and leadership responsibility within SUNY, at the system level, a university campus, or a community college.

Step 1: Nomination Process

The first step is to be nominated by the campus president, provost, vice president, or school dean.
- If you are a Dean or a Vice President interested in participating in a program, you must first receive a nomination from your Provost or President.
- If you work at SUNY System Administration or the Research Foundation, then you must be co-nominated by your supervisor and a cabinet member.
The nomination letter cannot be submitted by the Nominee directly.
To nominate a colleague, please submit via Nomination Portal.
Nominations will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Access the Nomination portal

Step 2: Application

Once nominated, you will receive instructions on how to apply for any one of the programs.

As you get ready to complete the application, please be prepared to submit the following:

Thoughtful responses to each question, with a combined total of up to 1,500 words across all responses:
- Please describe the primary reason(s) you are applying to SUNY’s (AANHPILI, BLI, DSLI, or HLI) and what you speciﬁcally expect to learn from the Institute.
- Please highlight the leadership positions you have held during the past ﬁve years and describe your major accomplishments.
- Please describe your academic expertise, professional expertise, and/or research, if any, related to identifying, analyzing, and/or addressing barriers to higher education, student success, and/or upward mobility for the relevant student population and other underserved and/or underrepresented student groups, including by geographic region of residence or origin. Such students may include, but are not limited to, Pell grant students, first-generation students, first-generation immigrant students, and/or international students.
- Please describe your commitment to and experience (professional, volunteer, or otherwise) with student success and upward mobility related initiatives for students who have experienced or are experiencing barriers to access and equal opportunity in higher education from under-resourced communities, within your professional role and/or campus or local community, as applicable. Such students may include, but are not limited to, Pell grant students, first-generation students, first-generation immigrant students, and/or international students.
- Where do you plan to be administratively, or in a leadership capacity, in ﬁve years? What strategies and initiatives will you pursue to accomplish this goal?
One (1) additional letter of recommendation.
Campus Statement of Commitment
Copy of an up-to-date CV or résumé.
Completed applications are due by Friday, October 2, 2026.

Step 3: Selection and Acceptance

All completed applications will be reviewed, with the goal of selecting up to ten fellows to comprise the leadership cohort. Once the selections are made, applicants will receive an email with the decision.

Ready to Lead with Confidence? Begin Your Journey Today.

Contact us to learn more:
Zulaika Rodriguez, Associate Vice Chancellor for Executive Recruitment & Leadership Development:
SUNYLEADS@suny.edu

Learn more about senior leadership at SUNY.