Equipping the Next Generation of MSI Academic Leaders in the Humanities: Rutgers CMSI Hosts its Inaugural MSI Humanities Leadership Academy Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jacinda Nembhard | jacinda.nembhard@gse.rutgers.edu | 848-932-0774
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., August 4, 2026 – The Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions (CMSI) is hosting its inaugural MSI Humanities Leadership Academy forum from Wednesday, August 5th, to Friday, August 7th, in Princeton, NJ. The three-day forum will convene experienced academic leaders from across MSIs to work closely with current and former humanities department chairs.
The collection of discussions, case studies, panels, interactive presentations, and mentoring sessions will cover a range of topics that may arise along the path to academic leadership. The forum’s design will prepare fellows with exceptional skills to excel in the role of a dean or provost in the humanities at an MSI. Sessions will include topics such as managing faculty success, enrollment management, crisis management, budgeting and financial management, and fundraising and alumni engagement.
“We are thrilled to gather our first cohort of MSI Humanities Leadership Academy fellows to explore innovative approaches to budgeting, personnel management, and strategic decision-making,” said Marybeth Gasman, Executive Director of CMSI and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University. “We will also work to strengthen their ability to advocate for the humanities within broader institutional priorities.”
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 is essential to the future of higher education.
Funded by the Mellon Foundation, the MSI Humanities Leadership Academy offers a year-long mentoring experience featuring 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.
Learn more about the first cohort of MSI Humanities Leadership Academy fellows, here, and their mentors, here.
