ACC Academic Leaders Network

Leadership Development

91��Ƭ�S�ϼ� Joins the ACC Academic Leaders Network

As of July 1, 2024, 91��Ƭ�S�ϼ� (SMU) officially became a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), marking a significant milestone in our institution's history. This transition not only enhances our athletic affiliations but also opens new avenues for academic collaboration and leadership development. In alignment with this new chapter, SMU is proud to participate in the ACC Academic Leaders Network (ALN) for the first time.

About the ACC Academic Leaders Network

The ACC ALN is a collaborative initiative designed to foster cross-institutional networking and professional development among academic leaders across ACC member institutions. By bringing together faculty and administrators from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, the program aims to cultivate leadership skills, share best practices, and encourage innovative approaches to the challenges facing higher education today.

Benefits to Participants

Leadership Development: Engage in structured programs that enhance leadership competencies, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
Networking Opportunities: Build lasting relationships with peers from other ACC institutions, facilitating the exchange of ideas and collaborative initiatives.
Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: Gain insights into different institutional cultures and administrative structures, broadening understanding and adaptability.
Collaborative Projects: Participate in joint projects that address common challenges and explore innovative solutions in higher education.

Benefits to SMU

Enhanced Institutional Profile: Active participation in the ACC ALN positions SMU as a forward-thinking institution committed to academic excellence and leadership.
Talent Development: Investing in the growth of our academic leaders ensures a robust pipeline of skilled professionals ready to guide the university's future.
Cross-Institutional Collaboration: Engagement with other ACC members fosters opportunities for research partnerships, shared resources, and joint academic programs.
Strategic Insights: Exposure to diverse administrative practices and innovations can inform and enhance SMU's own strategies and policies.

2025 ACC ALN Session Schedule

The 2025 ACC ALN cohort will engage in a series of sessions designed to build leadership capacity and foster collaboration:

February 7, 2025: Virtual Kickoff (1:00–3:00 p.m. CST)
March 26–28, 2025: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
June 23–25, 2025: University of Miami, Miami, FL
October 20–22, 2025: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

Looking Ahead: SMU to Host March 2026 ACC ALN Session

Building on our inaugural participation, SMU is honored to host one of the ACC ALN sessions for the 2026 cohort in March 2026. This opportunity allows us to showcase our vibrant academic community, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to fostering leadership in higher education. We are excited to welcome academic leaders from across the ACC to our campus and engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Details regarding participation in the 2026 ACC ALN cohort will be made available in Fall 2025.

SMU's inaugural participation in the ACC Academic Leaders Network underscores our dedication to fostering leadership, collaboration, and innovation within the academic community. We look forward to the opportunities this engagement will bring to our faculty, staff, and the broader university.

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