Nazareth’s Danielle Bucci among 36 higher education leaders in an Executive Leadership Academy
Nazareth University’s Vice President for Strategic Enrollment, Marketing and Communications Danielle Bucci, is among a select group of higher education leaders who attended the prestigious 2025-26 Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) to prepare seasoned leaders for their next senior administrative role in higher education. The first of two in-person seminars in the year-long program was June 16–17 in Washington, D.C. It was led by current and former college presidents along with experts in critical areas pertinent to higher education.
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) collaborate to offer ELA participants unparalleled learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Bucci is among a total of 36 higher education leaders who rose to the top of a competitive pool of applicants and is taking part in the program that prepares experienced provosts and vice presidents as the next generation of college and university presidents.
“At a time when working in higher education feels particularly challenging, the participants of the ELA program show how committed they are to the sector and their institutions,” said CIC President Marjorie Hass. “CIC is fortunate to partner with AALI and AASCU to provide this opportunity to leaders at our member institutions and prepare them for the challenges ahead.”
Since its inception in 2009, more than 100 individuals who have completed the ELA program have been appointed as presidents or chancellors of colleges and universities. The ELA program equips those moving into presidential and senior executive roles with the diverse skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing challenges of the higher educational landscape.
“I’m honored to be part of the Executive Leadership Academy and to learn alongside such a thoughtful, dedicated group of leaders,” said Danielle Bucci, vice president for strategic enrollment, marketing, and communications at Nazareth University. “Higher education is navigating one of its most complex and challenging eras, and this program is equipping us with the tools, insight, and connections needed to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience.”
Some key features of the ELA program consist of a tailored professional experience plan aimed at addressing the specific skill and experience gaps of each participant; mentorship provided by the participant’s current president alongside the ELA program director; guidance on the executive search process; and access to peer-led webinars, regional meetings, and cohort-wide activities.
“In today’s higher education environment, it’s critical that future leaders are prepared, ready, and well-equipped to serve our growing student population and tackle the challenges that come with leading a college or university,” said AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch. “Together with CIC, and our partners at AALI, AASCU continues its commitment to providing senior executives with the wide-ranging skills and training they need to succeed.”
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
