Association for Collaborative Leadership

The resource for collaboration in higher education.


Presidents Update – October 2020

Thursday, October 15, 2020 9:00 AM | Anonymous

The beginning of a new academic year that is like no other.  Along with students, faculty and staff on our campuses we are reimagining how our “work” is done.  And wondering when the new normal will be clearly defined.   At the same time, it is clear that the need for collaboration both within and among institutions of higher education is critical, as is the need between institutions and their communities.    We have much work to do in helping to raise awareness of the value of collaboration, in facilitating effective collaboration, in identifying new opportunities and in demonstrating best practices.  The principles and values that we hold as those who foster collaboration have applications in so many areas across many different organizations and sectors – it is time to share these tenets.  

Our annual conference offers both an opportunity to connect with colleagues in new ways and to address some of the most important issues facing society and higher education.  One of the benefits of a virtual conference is that it is easy to expand participation – we have lowered the cost of participation for additional staff to attend and invite you to share the invitation with colleagues on your campuses – particularly those who may be helping you shape the vision for the future of your organization.If you haven’t already done so, now is the time spread the word and to register

We are looking forward to welcoming three new board members: Amber Cox from the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Corie Dugas from the NELLCO Law Library Consortium, Inc., and Todd Greene from the Atlanta University Center Consortium.   And we thank Jeanne Went from the Higher Education Consortium of Center Massachusetts for her three years of service to the ACL Board.   Jeanine has chaired the Knowledge Committee, providing leadership to the team responsible for collating resources and adding them to the website. 

I hope that you are all doing what you can to remind others about the importance of completing the census right now and voting on November 3rd.   I see this as part of extending our personal educational missions.

And finally I hope you are all finding time to pause amidst the complexities of the day – talk to a friend, cheer on a colleague, take in the beauty of nature – this is what can sustain us.  See you on Zoom!

Best Regards,

Claire Ramsbottom

Executive Director, Colleges of the Fenway

President, Association for Collaborative Leadership

Welcome to Our New Member

Boston Library Consortium

Member Spotlight Special Feature


The New American Colleges and Universities (NACU) was founded in 1995 as a collaborative network of private, comprehensive institutions that purposefully integrate liberal arts, professional programs, and civic engagement. NACU campuses embrace the legacy of Ernest Boyer who called for higher education and scholarship to be a service to society and who lauded institutions that recognized the importance of teaching.

NACU connects its campuses to collaborate in the delivery of innovative ideas and to champion the belief that a comprehensive liberal, professional, and civic education is essential to the future of our world. To help its campuses remain strong, NACU concentrates on research, strategy, and people development.

NACU’s tagline is Connect, Collaborate, Champion, which is also the name of its podcast. You can find NACU on Twitter at @NACandU.


The Lowcountry Graduate Center (LGC) is a state-funded organization dedicated to providing Charleston-area residents with convenient access to graduate-level academic programs.

In partnership with top-rated universities, the LGC offers both degree and certificate programs in a growing number of subject areas including education, engineering, social work, business, health, and community wellness.

Our current graduate programs are offered through our founding institutions the College of Charleston, The Citadel, and the Medical University of South Carolina  – as well as our partnering institutions, the University of South Carolina, and SC State University.

Recognizing that an educated populace is a key to economic growth and well-being, the LGC works with trusted advisors – business leaders, major employers, and academic institutions – throughout the Tri-County to identify which graduate certificates and degrees will help meet the workforce needs in the Lowcountry region.

The LGC aims to ensure that local students have access to the resources necessary for career advancement. If a required graduate program is not available through our current partners, the LGC has the ability to develop further partnerships with universities in South Carolina and beyond.

The ACL Board continues to work to improve the organization.  We would love to have you involved in helping to strengthen the value we bring to our members! Shoot us an email at admin@national-acl.org and we'll help you get connected. 



Association for Collaborative Leadership is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Questions? Email admin@national-acl.org

97 Spring Street, Amherst, MA 01002


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