The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) plays a critical role in providing leadership and driving innovation. However, many CAOs are not trained to launch innovative initiatives and often lack a supportive peer network to brainstorm and discuss ideas. In September 2021, the Gardner Institute developed the Chief Academic Officers Innovation Community. This community brought together CAOs from across the country to provide tools, networking, and professional development to help them fulfill their potential for leadership. Following the success of this initial cohort, the Gardner Institute has since completed its third cohort, now forming a community of 39 Chief Academic Officers.

We are proud to recognize this year’s participants:

• Phyllis Curtis Tweed, Provost and Vice President of the Office of Academic Affairs, CUNY Queensborough Community College
• Marcella David, Senior Vice President and Provost, Columbia College Chicago
• Gary Johnson, Provost, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
• Lisa Lambert, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chatham University
• Ray Lutgring, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Lindsey Wilson College
• Michael McGinnis, Vice President For Academic Affairs, Saint Francis University
• Paul Menzer, Provost, Mary Baldwin University
• Anupma Prakash, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Diane Prusank, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
• Carin Silkaitis, Interim Provost and Dean of Arts and Sciences, University of Alaska Southeast

Applications for the 2025-26 cohort is now available. Apply here: