James Bridgeforth chosen for leadership initiative

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has named Virginia Tech's James Bridgeforth, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and ExperienceVT, as one of their 30 distinguished senior-level higher education professionals to participate in the 2024-25 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI). This year’s MLI participants carry the added distinction of also being the initiative’s 25th cohort as AASCU celebrates the program’s 25th anniversary. 

Launched in 1999, under the advisement of AASCU’s African American member presidents, MLI is a premier leadership development program designed to diversify and enrich the American college presidency. The initiative is rooted in preparing higher education leaders from traditionally underrepresented communities with the skills, philosophical overview, and networks necessary to advance to the highest ranks of postsecondary education. 

Through its network of faculty, alumni, and other key campus leaders, MLI connects aspiring presidents and chancellors to the expertise, experiences, and resources required to thrive. Participants receive a realistic look at what the role of a president warrants in order to navigate the current and future higher education landscape. 

"I am extremely excited about this opportunity to participate in the 25th class of the Millenium Leadership Initiative as it been something I have long desired to be a part of," said Bridgeforth. "I am very grateful and deeply humbled by being invited to serve among this prestigious group of higher education professionals and thought leaders. I want to thank Vice President Keene, Provost Clarke, and President Sands for their support as without them this would not have been possible. I deeply believe that higher education has the power to allow students to achieve their dreams and I know that participating in MLI will allow me to better serve in a profession that I so dearly love." 

MLI’s 25-year legacy is significant, unlocking opportunities for aspiring presidents or chancellors on campuses ranging from California to Connecticut. Since its inception, nearly 750 individuals have completed the program, with 163 going on to become university presidents or chancellors, and 43 serving multiple presidencies or chancellorships. AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch is no stranger to MLI, having served as a mentor in 2019 and continued champion for the program.

“MLI creates a vast and talented pool of qualified candidates to fill presidencies, chancellorships, and senior-level vacancies in higher education,” said Welch. “As we celebrate this incoming class that comprises our 25th cohort, we’re thankful for the bold vision of MLI’s founders who sought to build a strong pipeline of higher ed leaders who reflect the rich diversity of our nation and, more importantly, our students.” 

Programming for the 2024-25 cohort will take place June 12-15 in Washington, D.C.