AMI Nominations

Invest in Your Institution’s Future Leaders

The Academic Management Institute (AMI) is the Colorado & Wyoming Network of Women Leaders’ premier leadership development program for higher education professionals. Colleges and universities across Colorado and Wyoming nominate promising faculty, staff, and administrators to participate in this year-long leadership experience.

Rather than accepting individual applications, AMI uses an institutional nomination process that allows campuses to intentionally invest in individuals with the potential to assume greater leadership responsibilities and make meaningful contributions to their institutions.

Whether you are investing in your own leadership journey or recognizing the potential of a colleague, we invite you to submit a nomination for the next Academic Management Institute cohort. Together, we are developing the next generation of women leaders in higher education.

How the Nomination Process Works

AMI participants are nominated by their college or university.

This nomination model enables institutions to identify individuals whose leadership development aligns with institutional priorities while ensuring participants have the support needed to fully engage in the program.

Who Should Be Nominated?

AMI is designed for higher education professionals who are preparing to expand their leadership capacity.

Ideal nominees typically:

  • Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to professional growth.
  • Have several years of experience working in higher education.
  • Currently supervise others or have demonstrated leadership responsibilities.
  • Are preparing for increased leadership opportunities.
  • Can fully commit to participating in all in-person sessions.

Institutions are encouraged to nominate up to four participants from a variety of functional areas, including faculty, staff, and administration.

Past participants represent a wide variety of functional areas across colleges and universities, including academic affairs, student affairs, finance, enrollment management, libraries, information technology, human resources, advancement, and administrative services.

Best Practices for Selecting Participants

Every institution approaches participant selection differently.

Some colleges identify nominees through the President’s Office or senior leadership, while others use a more formal internal selection process.

Successful approaches may include:

  • Inviting nominations from departments or divisions
  • Forming an internal review committee
  • Using a brief internal application process

Many institutions find that an application process helps identify highly motivated candidates while promoting transparency and equity.

Helpful questions to ask prospective participants include:

  • What leadership challenges or opportunities are you hoping to address?
  • Why are you interested in participating in AMI?
  • How will the program support your professional goals?
  • How will your institution benefit from your participation?

Self-nominations are also encouraged, with support from the individual’s institution. We recognize that leadership development often begins with an individual’s decision to invest in their own growth.

Participant Committment

AMI is intentionally designed as a fully in-person cohort experience. Because the program requires a significant time commitment, participants should have the support of their supervisor and institution before accepting an invitation to participate.

Meaningful networking, discussion, and collaborative learning are central to the program’s success. Participants are expected to attend all program sessions and actively engage throughout the academic year.

Program dates and locations are available on the Academic Management Institute 2026-27 page.

Nomination FAQs

Can someone be nominated more than once?

Absolutely. Individuals who are not selected or who are unable to participate in a given year are welcome to be nominated again.

When are nominations due?

Nomination and application deadlines are published annually. The deadline for the 2026-27 cohort is September 4th, 2026.

Is nomination a guarantee of acceptance?

No, a nomination begins the process. Final cohort selection is based on the completed application and the Selection Committee’s review.

Questions?

For questions or support to begin the nomination process, for yourself or another, please contact:

Michelle Darveau
2026-27 AMI Director
Colorado & Wyoming Network of Women Leaders
ami-director@cwnwl.org