December 9, 2026 – December 11, 2026
Women across higher education are leading through complexity—advocating for students, navigating institutional change, and holding communities together through seasons of uncertainty. This institute is designed to support, strengthen, and elevate that leadership.
Leading Forward brings together women from all roles and career stages to explore what it means to lead with clarity, purpose, and sustainability in today’s rapidly shifting higher ed landscape. Through keynotes, interactive workshops, and intentional networking, participants will gain practical strategies, renewed confidence, and a community of peers who understand the realities of doing this work.
Whether you’re a rising leader, an established manager, or a seasoned professional seeking fresh perspective, Leading Forward offers the space, tools, and community to navigate what’s now and prepare for what’s next.
This year’s institute will explore themes including:
- Sustainable Leadership & Personal Capacity
How women sustain themselves and their teams amid resource constraints, high demand, and shifting institutional priorities. - The Language of Business & Strategic Communication
Tools for translating impact, communicating with senior leaders, and leading with data-informed clarity. - Leadership Networks & Strategic Relationships
Building the relationships, mentorships, and sponsorships that fuel career growth and strengthen support systems. - Influence, Advocacy & Getting the Yes
Strategies for persuasion, self-advocacy, storytelling, and leading from any seat—even without positional authority. - Navigating the Current Higher Ed Landscape
Exploring the political, financial, and cultural currents shaping our work, and how women leaders can adapt while staying grounded in their values. - Career Advancement & Identity as a Leader
Growing into your leadership voice, designing your next steps, and leading authentically—especially for women of color and those navigating predominantly white institutions.
Tentative Schedule
Wednesday, December 9
- 4–7 p.m. – Registration Open
- 5–7 p.m. – Welcome Reception
Thursday, December 10
- 8–9 a.m. – Registration Open
- 8–9 a.m. – Breakfast
- 9–9:40 a.m. – Welcome & Speed Friending
- 9:40–10:30 a.m. – Welcome Keynote with Chicora Martin, Dr. Rachel Bowser, and Nicole Long
- 10:40–11:30 a.m. – Session 1: The Language of Business & Strategic Communication
- 11:40 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Session 2: Influence, Advocacy & Getting the Yes
- 12:30–1:30 p.m. – Lunch
- 1:30–2:20 p.m. – Session 3: Navigating the Current Higher Ed Landscape with Erika James
- 2:30–3:20 p.m. – Roundtable Discussion
- 3:30–4:20 p.m. – Session 4: Panel Discussion: Sustainable Leadership & Personal Capacity,” moderated by Monica Nixon
- 4:20–4:30 – Wrap Up
- Dinner on Own
Friday, December 11
- 8–9 a.m. – Registration Open
- 8–9 a.m. – Breakfast
- 9–10 a.m. – Welcome, Energizer, Reflection
- 10–11 a.m. – Fireside Chat
- 11 a.m.–Noon – Keynote Address with Sheila Higgs Burkhalter
- Noon–12:30 p.m. – Closing Session
Speakers
Rachel A. Bowser assumed the position of vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college and professor of English on July 1, 2022. As vice president, she oversees the academic program, the faculty, and academic support services. Most recently, she was associate provost for strategic initiatives and professor of English at Georgia Gwinnett College. She received her bachelor’s degree from Grove City College, master’s degree from West Virginia University, and Ph.D. from Emory University—all in English.
Sheila Higgs is a two-time bestselling author, accomplished speaker, facilitator, and a certified Executive & Leadership Transitions Coach with 30 years of experience in the higher education sector. She specializes in helping aspiring executives and leaders to successfully transition to their next level of leadership.
Sheila believes in people, values, and leading with heart. She incorporates her knowledge of leadership, people, communication, and energy to create a transformational experience for her clients. 100% of her Leader on the Rise clients have successfully transitioned to next level leadership roles.
Sheila holds an MBA from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas–Fayetteville, a Master of Education in student affairs administration from Indiana University–Bloomington, and a Bachelor of Science in mass communication and political science.
Erika H. James became the dean of the Wharton School on July 1, 2020. Trained as an organizational psychologist, Erika is a leading expert on crisis leadership, workplace diversity, and management strategy. Prior to her appointment at Wharton, Erika was the John H. Harland Dean at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School from 2014 to 2020.
An award-winning educator, accomplished consultant, and innovative researcher, she has paved the way for women in leadership both in education and corporate America. Erika has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking executive education programs, including the Women in Leadership Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School.
Erika serves on the boards of Morgan Stanley, The Economic Club of New York, and Pomona College. She is a sought-after thought leader whose expertise has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, Bloomberg, The Washington Post, and numerous other media outlets. Her latest book is “The Prepared Leader: Emerge from Any Crisis More Resilient Than Before” (Wharton School Press), which she co-authored with Lynn Perry Wooten, president of Simmons University.
Nicole Long joined Agnes Scott in April 2023 as the vice president for finance and administration. In this role, she oversees the college’s finance, accounting, facilities, dining operation, institutional technology, and public safety functions. Her career spans 25 years in finance with Fortune 500 companies, including WestRock, The Coca-Cola Company, AT&T, and General Motors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in finance from Florida A&M University and is a proud Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member.
Chicora Martin assumed the position of vice president for student affairs and dean of students on November 1, 2022. Previously, Chicora served as vice president of student life and dean of students at Mills College in Oakland, California. A graduate of East Carolina University, Chicora earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in higher education from Florida State University.
Registration
Member rates are available for those who belong to ACUI or NASPA. Registration is through ACUI’s system. A website account is required for registration (free to create). To create one, please select the “Login,” then “New Member? Click Here” to proceed through the process.
Early Registration
(Through June 30)
- ACUI/NASPA Member: $399
- Nonmember: $499
REgular Registration
(July 1–September 30)
- ACUI/NASPA Member: $499
- Nonmember: $599
Late Registration
(After September 30)
- ACUI/NASPA Member: $599
- Nonmember: $699
Travel
Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory
130 Clairemont Avenue Decatur, Georgia, USA, 30030
Rate: $189/night
Deadline: November 17
Airport
Closest Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)