The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) plays a critical role in providing leadership and driving innovation. Since September 2021, the Gardner Institute has supported CAOs in developing their innovative initiatives through the Chief Academic Officers Innovation Community. In this community, members join a supportive peer network to brainstorm and discuss ideas. CAOs from across the country and different institution types learn tools, network, and gain professional development to help them fulfill their potential for leadership.

The Gardner Institute has since completed its fourth cohort, now forming a community of 48 Chief Academic Officers.

We are proud to recognize this year’s participants:

• Arnaa` Alcon, Acting Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, Bridgewater State University
• Lisa Boehm, Provost Saginaw Valley State University
• Michael Dailey, Provost and Vice President, Kentucky State University
• Jason Dockter, Vice President, Academic Services, Lincoln Land Community Colleges
• Jerome Langguth, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Thomas More University
• Keirsten Moore, Interim Vice President and Provost, Capital University
• Rafik Mohamed, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, California State University, San Bernardino
• Matthew Redinger, Interim Provost, Chatham University
• Cheryl Wilson, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, Eastern Connecticut State University

Applications for the 2026-27 cohort is now available. Apply here: