NACUBO Fellows Program
Program Overview
Launched in 2016, the NACUBO Fellows Program is a one-year leadership development program designed to provide support, education, and learning opportunities to individuals who seek a chief business officer position for their next role. Through access to experienced chief business officers, presidents, provosts, NACUBO experts, and other higher education leaders, the Fellows Program provides participants with the opportunity to:
- Develop an understanding of the complexities of the chief business officer role
- Gain broad exposure to the field of higher education
- Understand the key competencies that are required for high performance as a chief business officer
- Enhance management, leadership, and communications skills
- Learn how veteran chief business officers have addressed institutional and professional challenges
- Build a network of colleagues who serve as a resource of support throughout the fellow's career
Who Should Apply
Participation in the Fellows Program is limited to individuals from NACUBO member colleges and universities who seek a chief business officer position—reporting directly to a college or university president—as their next role. Applicants should be identified as exceptional in their current role and displaying high potential for advancement into a senior leadership position. Participants are expected to fully engage in all program components.
The application process for the 2024-25 Fellows Program will open in December 2023.
Estimated CPEs
Fellows may earn up to an estimated 75 CPE credits in categories including Business Management and Organization, Communications and Marketing, Personal Development, Finance, and Specialized Knowledge if they participate in all group live and internet based program components. No prerequisites and/or advance preparation is required, aside from the application process. The program is targeted to the intermediate-to-advanced course level.
Program Fee
The 2023-24 program fee of $9,500 includes registration for a minimum of four in-person workshops, registration for two NACUBO annual meetings, and virtual convenings. Course materials and distance learning support are also included.
Sponsoring colleges and universities are responsible for travel and lodging expenses of participants as well as for travel and lodging expenses associated with required campus visits.
Application Process
The application period for the 2024-25 will open in December 2023.
Listen to Sara Thorndike's CBO Speaks episode.
Meet the NACUBO Fellows
2023-24 Fellows
- Read the press release announcing the 2023-24 NACUBO Fellows Program.
2022-23 Fellows
- Read the press release announcing the 2022-23 NACUBO Fellows Program.
- View participant biographies for the 2022-23 NACUBO Fellows Program.
2021-22 Fellows
- Read the press release announcing the 2021-22 NACUBO Fellows Program.
- View participant biographies for the 2021-22 NACUBO Fellows Program.
2020-21 Fellows
- View participant biographies for the 2020-21 NACUBO Fellows Program.
2019-20 Fellows
- Read the press release
- View participant biographies
- Read Business Officer article, NACUBO Welcomes the 2019-20 Cohort of Fellows
2018-19 Fellows
- Read the press release
- View participant biographies
- Read Business Officer article, NACUBO Welcomes the 2018-19 Cohort of Fellows
2017-18 Fellows
- Read the press release
- View participant biographies
- Read Business Officer article, NACUBO Welcomes the 2017-18 Cohort of Fellows
2016-17 Fellows
- Read the press release
- View participant biographies
- Read Business Officer article, Off to an Invigorating Start