HERS

10/12/2026

We're proud to share that HERS President Dr. Gloria D. Thomas will be representing HERS at the AAUA (American Association of University Administrators) Annual Conference, October 19–20, 2026, at Cleveland State University!

This year's theme, "Realizing the Higher Education Value Proposition," couldn't be more timely — and we're especially excited that HERS will be featured with our own industry session, "The Value Proposition of Leadership Development Through an Equity-Centered Lens," on October 19.

Join us in Cleveland as higher ed leaders come together to explore strategies for adapting, innovating, and leading institutions forward. 🎓

10/09/2026

Got a chance to connect with HERS Alums at West Chester University (WCUPA) —Bahar Ulupinar, Jen Rossi Long, and Nancy Barker.

10/07/2026

⏳ Registration for Leading from the Middle closes Monday, October 12!

Stepped into a new leadership role in higher ed without formal training in supervision or performance management? You're not alone, and this program was built for you.

Leading from the Middle is a five-part virtual series (Mondays, Oct. 19 – Nov. 16, 3–5 PM ET). Together with peers and seasoned facilitators, you'll build skills in:

✅ Clarifying your values and leadership identity
✅ Managing conflict before, during, and after it happens
✅ Motivating teams and managing performance
✅ Navigating legal, ethical, and compliance issues in higher ed

Don't miss your chance to join the Fall 2026 cohort.

👉 Register by Oct. 12: https://tinyurl.com/3rebnx85

Know a mid-level leader who'd benefit? Tag them below! 💬

10/05/2026

🎉 A HERS tradition, now year-round: Introducing Good News & Announcements!

Since our very first program, Good News & Announcements has been a cherished part of every HERS gathering, a moment to pause and celebrate the wins, big and small, happening across our community.

But we know your good news doesn't wait for a HERS program. Promotions, awards, publications, and life milestones happen all year long, and we want to celebrate them when they happen.

That's why we're bringing this tradition to our HERS News page. Each month, we'll spotlight four HERS alums and their accomplishments, shared in the order submissions are received.

📖 View our HERS News page to read our first post: https://tinyurl.com/hers-news

Have good news to share? Submit the Alum Announcement form:
📃 https://tinyurl.com/ycxzauxv

10/02/2026

We're excited to invite you to join HERS President Dr. Gloria D. Thomas for the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Distinguished Lecture Series: Courage, Conviction, and Collaboration, a free webinar on Wednesday, November 4, from 1:00–2:30 PM ET.

Dr. Thomas will explore the extraordinary leadership journey of Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor and his relationships with other influential leaders of the Civil Rights Era. You'll leave with insight into how to:

✔️ Translate moral purpose into effective institutional leadership
✔️ Navigate public controversy while preserving institutional integrity
✔️ Build coalitions across ideological differences
✔️ Elevate student success amid profound social change

We hope you'll join us! Learn More and Register: https://bit.ly/3VjcTKY

10/01/2026

What does it really take to lead from the middle?

Leadership in higher education means more than managing projects. It means navigating relationships, difficult conversations, competing priorities, and institutional expectations.

Leading From the Middle (LFM) addresses these real-world challenges through five interactive sessions designed to help mid-level leaders lead with greater confidence, clarity, and impact.

✨ Program Highlights ✨

Session 1: Mission and Impact: Clarifying Values to Guide Your Leadership with AnnMarie Cano

Session 2: Managing Conflict: Anticipatory, Real-Time, and Post-Conflict Strategies with Dawn Osborne-Adams

Session 3: Motivation and Communication: Fostering Job Satisfaction and Effectively Managing Performance with Kathy Rogers

Session 4: Clarity and Leadership: Understanding Common Legal, Ethical, and Compliance Issues in Higher Ed with Kathy Rogers

Session 5: Leadership Insights, Strategies, and Action Plans

Registration is now open!
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/3rebnx85

📅 Dates: October 19–November 16, 2026
💻 Format: Virtual
🕒 Time: Mondays, 3:00–5:00 PM ET

09/30/2026

Join us for a free information session about the Summer 2027 HERS Leadership Institute on Friday, October 9, from 1:00–1:45 PM EST.

In this session, you'll learn what the Institute offers, who it's designed for, and how it helps women and gender diverse leaders in higher education build the skills, confidence, and network to advance as leaders. Bring your questions as we'll leave time to answer them.

👉 Register for the info session: https://formstack.io/E0615

Already know the Institute is right for you? Applications are open now:
https://hersnetwork.org/hers-institute/

Know a colleague who would thrive in this program? Nominate them and help open the door to the next chapter:
https://formstack.io/0347D

We hope to see you on October 9!

09/28/2026

In our latest HERS Voices guest blog, Dr. Christina L. Myers, Assistant Professor of Journalism at Michigan State University and member of the 50th HERS Leadership Institute cohort, reflects on becoming the "Golden Fifty" explaining that "love will always be my leadership strategy." ✨

The post also celebrates all 144 leaders of the HERS Leadership Institute Class of 2026, who spent nine days in Golden, Colorado, learning from 25 speakers and facilitators across 66 sessions. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎉

Have a story to share? HERS Voices welcomes submissions from alums, program participants, facilitators, partners, and supporters. Whether you're reflecting on leadership, a challenge you've navigated, or the future of higher ed, we'd love to help amplify your voice. Email your idea or draft to [email protected].

Ready to write your own HERS story? Applications for the Summer 2027 HERS Leadership Institute are now open! Learn more and apply: https://hersnetwork.org/hers-institute/

Read the Guest Blog: https://bit.ly/4hRC6EZ

Becoming the Golden Fifty: A Reflection on Leadership, Love, and Community   Written by Dr. Christina L. Myers, Member of the 50th HERS Leadership Institute Cohort  “Love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, respect, and trust.” — bell hooks, Communion: The Female Search for Lov...

09/25/2026

Registration for Next Stages, Next Steps is now open!

Our career workshop is designed to equip leaders applying to leadership positions with the insight, skills, and practice needed to navigate the often challenging academic search process.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career?

📍 Rollins College, Winter Park, FL
📅 January 28 - 31, 2027

Register Today - the deadline to register is Dec. 11, 2026.
https://tinyurl.com/2unp4axp

09/21/2026

Registration is Now Open for Leading from the Middle! 🗣️

Ready to strengthen your leadership and make an impact from wherever you sit in your institution?

Leading from the Middle (LFM) is designed specifically for mid-level leaders in higher education. Through interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, and practical sessions, participants will develop the tools and perspective to navigate the unique challenges of leading from the middle.

💻 Program Format: Virtual
📅 Dates: October 19 – November 16, 2026
🕒 Time: Mondays | 3:00–5:00 PM ET
💰 Cost: $1,800

Take the next step in your leadership journey.

Registration is now open!
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4xkudcxc