Empowering the Next Generation of MSI Presidents: Rutgers CMSI Hosts 6th MSI Aspiring Leaders Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ, October 14, 2026 –The Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) is hosting its sixth MSI Aspiring Leaders Forum from Thursday, October 15th, to Friday, October 16th, in Princeton, NJ. The two-day forum will convene and engage prominent Minority Serving Institution (MSI) presidents and those aspiring to be MSI leaders in the program.

The collection of discussions, case studies, panels, and mentoring sessions will cover many issues, scenarios, and events that may happen on the path to the collegiate presidency. The forum’s design will prepare Aspiring Leaders with the exceptional skills to secure and excel in the role of a president at an MSI. Sessions will include topics such as finance for presidents, the role of search firms, managing board relations, negotiating salary packages, and leadership case studies.

“We are thrilled to gather another cohort of Aspiring Leaders to explore innovative approaches to student success, community engagement, and institutional transformation,” said Marybeth Gasman, CMSI Executive Director, and Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair in Education at Rutgers University.

Funded by The Kresge Foundation and ECMC Foundation, the MSI Aspiring Leaders program includes a leadership forum, 1.5 years of one-on-one mentorship, and regular virtual sessions on a variety of topics pertaining to leading these unique institutions.

Learn more about the sixth cohort of MSI Aspiring Leaders here and their MSI presidential mentors here.