SUNY Black Leadership Institute: Call for Nominations

Published December 20, 2023

SUNY’s Black Leadership Institute (BLI) aims to strengthen the pool of higher education leaders and to advance SUNY's commitment to inclusive excellence. We are excited to launch the call for applications for the Black Leadership Institute’s inaugural cohort. We ask you to consider nominating one or more campus candidates who have demonstrated leadership potential, whether faculty or administrative professionals and allies, for this transformative leadership experience.

BLI, a five-month program running from February to June, is designed for faculty and administrative professionals and allies on a leadership trajectory at their respective institutions who are currently serving in mid- to senior-level roles. Fellows are guided through leadership assessments, interactive online and in-person workshops, and professional mentoring sessions designed to advance leadership skills.

Who is Eligible

Full-time SUNY employees (e.g., Faculty or staff) who:

  • Must possess a minimum of three (3) years of employment within the SUNY system, including its colleges and universities, and have worked at least three (3) years in higher education.
  • Have demonstrated proven leadership and administrative experience.
  • Are on a career path to higher levels of administrative and leadership responsibility within SUNY, at the System level or a university campus.

How to Apply

As you get ready to complete the application, please be prepared to submit the following:  

  • Thoughtful responses to three questions (up to 1,200-word limit):
    • What are the primary reasons you are applying to SUNY’s Black Leadership Institute (BLI) and what specifically do you expect to obtain from the Institute?
    • Please highlight the leadership positions you have held during the past five years, and describe your major accomplishments.
    • Where do you plan to be administratively, or in a leadership capacity, in five years? What strategies and initiatives will you pursue to accomplish this goal?
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation (One from either a campus president, provost, vice president, or dean).
  • Campus Statement of Commitment.
  • Copy of an up-to-date CV or résumé.
     
Submit your Application

Deadline to submit completed applications is Wednesday, Janaury 17, 2024.

Selection and Acceptance

All completed applications will be reviewed with the goal of selecting approximately five to seven fellows to comprise the inaugural BLI 2024 cohort. Once the selections are made, applicants will receive an email with the decision. 

Selected Fellows will then have the option to accept the Fellowship and commit to the program.

Since the BLI Fellowship program has limited spaces and high demand, we recommend considering the decision seriously before making the final commitment. 

Contact For Questions

If you have any questions or would like to know more about whether the SUNY BLI Fellowship program is for you, please contact SUNYLEADS@suny.edu.