NACUBO Fellows 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

Since the program launched, more than half of Fellows alumni have advanced in their careers, including more than 20 alumni who have achieved their goal of becoming a chief business officer.

Sara Thorndike, NACUBO Fellow

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.

Applications for the 2024-25 cohort are due no later than February 2, 2024.

Schedule

Review the schedule for the 2024-25 NACUBO Fellows Program (subject to change)

An information session about the program will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 1-2 pm ET for persons interested in applying. Email Randy Roberson to receive additional information.

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 are required, aside from the application process. The program is targeted to the intermediate-to-advanced course level.

Program Fee

The 2024-25 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.

If selected for the 2024-25 NACUBO Fellows Program, a deposit of $2,500 is due by April 15, 2024, to secure participation in the program. The remaining balance will be due by July 3, 2024, prior to the opening workshop.

Application Process

Applications for the 2024-25 NACUBO Fellows Program will be accepted beginning in December 2023. Application materials must include:

Resume
Statement of interest in the program that describes the applicant's vision for his/her first CBO role, why the applicant wants to be in the program, and what the applicant hopes to gain from the experience as a NACUBO Fellow (700 words or less)
Letter of nomination and support to be completed by the chief business officer of the applicant's institution of employment

Completed applications are due by February 2, 2024. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions in March 2024.

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