Indiana State University Newsroom

Carmen Tillery, dean of students at Indiana State University, has been accepted into the Millennium Leadership Institute. An initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the institute will conduct its 10th anniversary program beginning Saturday (June 6) in Washington, D.C.

Originally conceived by AASCU’s African-American presidents to ensure that the next generation of leaders in higher education reflects the nation’s diversity, the institute provides promising senior level administrators a focused and rigorous leadership development program

Tillery was nominated for the program by Daniel J. Bradley, president of Indiana State.

"Dr. Tillery is an exceptional, student-centered administrator and I am pleased the Millennium Leadership Institute has accepted her nomination into its prestigious program. Colleges and universities in Indiana and around the country need leaders who represent the rich and growing diversity of our student bodies," Bradley said.

The Millennium Leadership Institute allows participants to determine if the presidency is a realistic goal and provides the opportunity to develop skills, gain a philosophical overview and build the network to compete for, and attain, the position of college or university president or chancellor.

"I cherish the opportunity to participate with the institute and am looking forward to the diversity of training and interactions that I will have, such as the meetings with various senior administrators and Congressmen (Brad) Ellsworth and (Andrè) Carson, in addition to the media training and preparation program," Tillery said.

"More than anything, I look forward to the lasting relationships that will be bridged with colleagues from across the country and the contribution upon my return that will be afforded to Indiana State University by President Bradley allowing me to have this enriching educational opportunity," she added.

Since the first class in 1999, more than 300 individuals have graduated from the program. More than one-third have advanced significantly in their careers and 42 graduates have become first-time presidents or chancellors. Some individuals have entered their second presidencies, bringing the institute’s influence to 51 presidencies.

At Indiana State since 2007, Tillery’s career in student and academic services has included such institutions as Iowa State University, University of Illinois-Chicago, Purdue, Duke, Syracuse and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical (A&T) State University. A Chicago native, she holds Ph.D. and master’s degrees in higher education student personnel from Iowa State University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Illinois University.

In addition to AASCU, the Millennium Leadership Institute is co-sponsored by the American Academic Leadership Institute, National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, The Council of Independent Colleges and the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities.

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/551921252_vqz8F-L.jpg

Media contact and writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or  dave.taylor@indstate.edu