Framingham State University Psychology Professor Mirari Elcoro is part of a new cohort of 36 higher education professionals who will participate in the 2022 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), a premier leadership development program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The program was created in 2015 to prepare early to mid-career academic and administrative emerging leaders who aspire to advance to administrative roles with greater responsibility and oversight. 

"The diverse and motivated campus leaders in the ELP class of 2022 reflect the strength and value of what happens when the AASCU network comes together," said Dr. Charles L. Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System, former chair of the AASCU Board of Directors, and ELP coordinator. "We are pleased to bring the ELP cohort to Washington, D.C., for three days of in-person programming for the first time in three years and look forward to lively discussions and insightful learning experiences that will inspire and equip participants to shape our institutions to promote inclusivity, equity, and student success. I look forward to a great year of learning and personal development."

In addition to teaching, Dr. Elcoro is the coordinator of the University’s Faculty of Color Mentoring Program and recently served as the Chair of the University’s Provost Search Committee. She says she is very curious about exploring leadership opportunities in higher education.

"I don’t necessarily have a specific plan, but the AASCU program is a great way to learn more about higher education and administration," she says. "The faculty mentoring program taught me a lot and I’m excited to build on what I learned."

With a curriculum designed to develop the skills and competencies necessary for the next generation of higher education leaders, the 2022 ELP cohort will engage with a rich and experienced bench of faculty to cover topics such as equity and social justice leadership, navigating and leading through change, finance and administration, leading as a provost, and more. The group will meet for an in-person retreat, monthly virtual workshops, and small-group sessions for reflection and study of promising practices. Additionally, each member of the ELP cohort will demonstrate their leadership skills to their campus community by leading an on-campus project or initiative with the support of their president/chancellor or cabinet-level administrator.

View the full cohort list.