Alumni Leadership Academy

OVERVIEW

The Alumni Leadership Academy (The Academy) initiative is part of the Board's comprehensive plan to increase alumni involvement in the life of the University.  According to the Howard University Board of Trustees bylaws, alumni must comprise at least 50% of the Board’s membership. However, we continuously seek new ways of meaningfully engaging with alumni, one of the University’s most important stakeholder groups. The Alumni Leadership Academy, along with the Trustee Candidate Identification Advisory Council (TCIAC) and the University's Board of Visitors program (BOV), is the third initiative to be fully developed by the University’s Board of Trustees to create more opportunities to harness our alumni’s passion, goodwill, and desire to stay connected to our alma mater. 

The Academy initiative, led by Trustee Dr. Danette G. Howard (BA ’97), will be piloted this year and is intended to facilitate meaningful engagement between Board of Trustee members and the alumni community. Alumni applicants selected for the program will participate in bi-monthly, virtual sessions focused on various aspects of leadership and led by trustees. The Academy will also explore opportunities for participants to engage with senior University leaders and other individuals with significant leadership experience and expertise. 

“As a proud alumna, I am honored to chair the Board of Trustees’ Alumni Leadership Academy and encourage alumni from all generations to apply,” said Trustee Howard. “The Academy will unite Howard University alumni across the U.S. and abroad and will provide an amazing experience for all involved.” 

VISION/STRUCTURE

• The Academy will align with the academic year (a two-semester program) with a small cohort of no more than 25 to encourage conversation and dialogue.
• The cohort will convene bi-monthly (virtually) with various Trustees with the goal of each session providing an accurate and transparent view of strategic leadership. The Board would also potentially engage other experts, including the University President and select Executive Leadership. 
• The Academy will schedule special opportunities (receptions, chats) at least twice a year during university events, (i.e., Homecoming, Charter Day, Commencement). The Academy will also seek to determine opportunities for engagement with other aspects of University life.  

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to Howard University graduates.  A cross representation of schools/colleges and generational representation is key.  The Academy also seeks to encourage the application of those not in traditional leadership roles.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process will track applications across the 14 schools and colleges.  Verification of graduation, submission of resume/CV and response to essay questions will constitute a completed application.  The essay questions may focus on the following: Prior leadership/community experience; Engagement with Howard University and Service / How the applicant can assist in the University’s path toward maximum strength; and Expectations of the program.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will seek to identify 25 alumni (with graduate status verified by Alumni Relations) for the cohort.   A small selection committee will review applications, filtering for completion of minimum requirements and seeking broad representation, gender diversity, career status, and commitment to Howard University.

IMPORTANT DATES

• October 21, 2024 - Application Opens
• October 22, 2024 - Alumni Insight Call:  Learning about the Alumni Leadership Academy 
• November 21, 2024 - Application Closes