The University of Tennessee Southern is proud to recognize Dr. Jessica Conrad for her selection to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI)—a highly competitive, national professional development program designed to strengthen academic leadership at regional public universities.
Conrad is one of just 37 higher education leaders nationwide chosen to participate in the 2026 DCLI cohort, which brings together department chairs and academic leaders who play a critical role in advancing institutional mission, academic excellence, and student success.
The semester-long institute launched this week in Washington, D.C., with an intensive in-person convening focused on the evolving leadership demands facing higher education. Through a combination of peer learning, strategic skill-building, and national engagement, participants explore key topics such as aligning departmental goals with institutional strategy, navigating complex conversations, managing resources, supporting faculty success, and sustaining personal and professional well-being.
“Department chairs sit at the heart of academic operations,” said Charles L. Welch, president and CEO of AASCU. “Through DCLI, we are equipping leaders with the tools, perspective, and community they need to strengthen their departments and institutions”.
Conrad’s selection reflects UT Southern’s continued investment in leadership development and academic excellence, as well as the university’s commitment to supporting faculty leaders who contribute meaningfully to student-centered learning and institutional growth.
The Department Chair Leadership Institute is made possible with support from Academic Search and is recognized nationally as a premier leadership development opportunity for academic leaders at public universities.
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