UMass Boston

UMass Boston Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Karen Ferrer-Muñiz and 35 other higher education leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. this month to begin the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), a distinguished program designed to prepare experienced administrators for senior executive roles across colleges and universities.

“Karen’s selection to the Executive Leadership Academy is a testament to her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to student success,” said UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. “Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that foster belonging, opportunity, and achievement for students from all backgrounds. I am confident that the knowledge, relationships, and perspectives she gains through this experience will further strengthen her leadership and benefit the entire UMass Boston community.”

ELA is offered through a collaborative partnership among the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI). Together, these organizations provide participants with a comprehensive experience that emphasizes leadership development, mentorship, and professional networking.

The program opens with the first of two in-person seminars on June 15–16, bringing cohort members together for an intensive learning experience led by current and former presidents, as well as subject matter experts addressing key issues shaping higher education today.

“This opportunity is timely and relevant to what leaders in higher education are navigating during these times.  I am beholden to be selected among a group of nationwide senior administrators who will be working on the development of a wide-ranging skills that senior executives will need to continue to meet the tasks of today’s educational environment and serve today’s students,” said Ferrer-Muñiz.

Ferrer-Muñiz joined UMass Boston in 2022 as vice chancellor for student affairs. She provides strategic leadership for the university’s student affairs division, overseeing programs and services that support community safety as well as student engagement, well-being, retention, and success. A first-generation college graduate, Ferrer-Muñiz has dedicated her career to advancing student-centered practices and creating inclusive campus environments where all students can thrive.

Ferrer-Muñiz and her cohort represent a broad cross-section of institutions, with participants including senior leaders from public and private colleges and universities across the country. Since its inception in 2009, ELA has cultivated a strong pipeline of executives, with many alumni advancing to top leadership positions nationwide. The program equips leaders with the strategic insight and adaptability required to navigate the evolving demands of higher education.

“At a time of significant change across the higher education landscape, programs like ELA play a critical role in supporting and preparing the next generation of institutional leaders,” said Charles L. Welch, AASCU’s president and CEO. “Through our partnership, we are proud to invest in leaders who are deeply committed to their campuses and communities.”