Rutgers CMSI Announces New Mentoring Program for Academic Leaders in the Humanities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jacinda Nembhard | Jacinda.nembhard@gse.rutgers.edu | 848-932-0774

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., February 9, 2026 – The Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) is proud to announce the launch of the MSI Humanities Leadership Academy, a new academic leadership mentorship program designed to strengthen the pipeline of humanities leaders at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The initiative is supported by a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation.

The MSI Humanities Leadership Academy will support the professional development of current and former department chairs in humanities-based disciplines at MSIs. At a time when the humanities are often under-resourced, this program is intentionally focused on preparing leaders who understand both the intellectual importance of the humanities and the structural realities facing MSIs.

The Academy will bring together experienced academic leaders from across MSIs to work closely with humanities department chairs through a combination of structured mentoring, leadership development, and immersive learning opportunities. Participants will engage in an intensive leadership forum in early August, followed by a year-long mentoring experience that includes one-on-one mentoring, executive shadowing, and virtual professional development sessions. Together, these experiences are designed to help participants develop the skills, confidence, and institutional knowledge necessary to transition into senior academic leadership roles.

Through the Academy, participants will develop a deeper understanding of academic governance, budgeting, personnel management, and strategic decision-making, while also strengthening their ability to advocate for the humanities within broader institutional priorities. 

“We are honored to have the Mellon Foundation recognize the work we are doing to prepare the next generation of academic leaders,” said Marybeth Gasman, Executive Director of CMSI and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University. “This program is about investing in people who care deeply about the humanities and who are committed to leading institutions that serve students who have too often been excluded from positions of power in higher education. We are excited to support humanities scholars as they step into leadership roles where their voices and perspectives are urgently needed.”

The MSI Humanities Leadership Academy builds on CMSI’s long-standing commitment to leadership development at MSIs, reflecting a shared belief that strong, values-driven leadership in the humanities is essential to the future of higher education.

Learn more about the program here.

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