June 10, 2025 - The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
has chosen 26 distinguished higher education professionals for its 2025–2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) cohort, including CSU Channel Islands’ Vice President for Student Affairs Eboni Ford
Turnbow, Ph.D.
A premier leadership development program, MLI was established in 1999 and designed to prepare senior-level education leaders for the rigors of college and university presidencies or chancellorships through workshops, discussions, and practical training. By connecting them to the expertise, experiences, and resources they will need to thrive, participants become equipped to navigate the unique challenges presidents face in today’s complex higher education landscape.
As a participant in the program, Ford Turnbow will receive mentoring from experienced presidents and shadow a presidential mentor as part of MLI’s immersive experience. Support throughout the program includes guidance from MLI’s President in Residence Mickey Burnim, who will serve as an adviser to all participants.
“We are pleased to welcome the incoming cohort of talented and qualified individuals to MLI as they embark on their professional journeys to fill presidencies, chancellorships, and other senior-level vacancies in higher education,” said AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch. “For more than two decades, MLI has built a strong and lasting network of higher education leaders who reflect the rich perspectives and experiences of our nation and the students we serve.”
Since MLI’s inception, 777 college and university leaders have participated in the program, with 166 going on to become university presidents or chancellors, while 46 have served multiple presidencies or chancellorships.
Programming for the 2025 MLI cohort will take place June 11–14 in Washington, D.C.