2026 Leadership Development Institute

June 8 - 12, 2026
The Cove | Asheville, NC

OVERVIEW

The Leadership Development Institute is a signature CCCU program designed to prepare emerging leaders from member institutions to step into greater leadership responsibility within Christian higher education. This year-long mentorship and professional development program helps participants build the skills, confidence, and vision needed to serve their campuses with excellence.

From June 8-12, approximately 30-35 participants will gather at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, for a formative experience that includes:

  • Keynote Sessions with experienced senior leaders addressing core leadership principles and the challenges facing Christian higher education
  • Leadership Workshops focused on developing strategic thinking, organizational insight, and essential management skills
  • Mentorship Engagement pairing participants for a shadowing visit with experienced campus leaders who provide ongoing guidance and encouragement
  • Peer Collaboration allowing emerging leaders to share experiences, explore solutions, and develop lasting professional connections
  • Spiritual Formation through times of prayer, worship, and reflection to deepen participants’ understanding of their calling and leadership identity
The LDI equips participants to return to their campuses ready to contribute more effectively, embrace greater responsibility, and grow into the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.

LOCATION

The Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove (The Cove) is a ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). The Cove is purposed to be a place of spiritual refreshment, where, as Billy and Ruth Graham said, people can leave behind the distractions of life and focus on God and His Word.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicant Criteria

Preference will be given to applicants who: (1) hold a doctorate or are actively considering/pursuing doctoral studies; (2) are recognized as “up-and- comers” with demonstrated leadership skills and the potential for future senior-level leadership; (3) provide evidence of increasing levels of leadership responsibility within and/or beyond higher education.

Accepted applicants must agree to be actively engaged in the following program components:

  • Completion of their specific institute-related readings
  • Participation in the entire June Institute at The Cove
  • Development and fulfillment of a year-long Professional Development Plan
  • Interaction with a Resource Leader to identify a tailor-made shadowing site and mentor

Submission of a written shadowing report upon completion of the campus visit.

 

Application Step 1

Complete the Online Application. This application is broken down into four components:

  1. Applicant Information
  2. Essay Questions Submission Portal
  3. CV Submission Portal
  4. References Acknowledgment

You must complete all components of the application before submitting. We recommend that you prepare your essay questions and CV prior to starting.

Complete the Online Application Form

 

 

Application Step 2

Each applicant must have two references:

  1. One letter of reference from a senior-level administrator (current or previous) who is familiar with your professional abilities and leadership potential.
  2. One letter of reference from someone in higher education who knows you well and is qualified to address areas of competence and potential, character, areas of giftedness, and spiritual maturity.

Your referees should submit their reference letters directly to Wanda Velez at wvelez@cccu.org.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact Wanda Velez at wvelez@cccu.org with the subject “2026 LDI <Applicant Name>”.

DEADLINE

The application deadline is February 28, 2026. However, we encourage participants to submit their materials before the deadline.

 

 

COST & FEES

Accommodations, materials, and all meals are included in the registration fee.

All-Inclusive Registration Fee – $1,750

This registration fee includes all-inclusive lodging (single room) and meals at The Cove, materials, and program costs.

Upon acceptance to the LDI, you will be required to immediately complete registration and pay the all-inclusive fee.

Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your full registration or any special event associated with your registration at any time prior to the start of the program. Please note that a cancellation will not result in a return of funds. If you register and fail to attend an event, no funds will be returned. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at (202) 546-8713.

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