Leadership Development Institute

Overview

Leadership Development Institute (LDI) | June 8-12, 2026 | The Cove – Asheville, NC

Program Application information can be found below.

The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) 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.

 

Deadlines

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

Application Process

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.

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 CCCU Leadership Development Institute! This application has these components:

Online Application with Essay Questions

References

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

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>”.

 

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Testimonials

“In a time of tumultuous change and deep challenges in Christian higher education, the LDI program provides deep equipping and strong edification for its participants. I left with greater clarity and passionate purpose for my role. I am excited to bring insights from my experience back to my campus.”

“Participating in the Leadership Development Institute was one of the highlights of my twenty-year career in Christian higher education. I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to connect with current and emerging CCCU leaders through a program that emphasized the importance of Christian faith and community. The strong sense of unity that flowed from the participants’ love of Christ and commitment to Christian higher education was obvious from the first moments of the program. I am leaving the LDI feeling a renewed sense of calling and commitment to Christian higher education.”

“The LDI serves many purposes, but one that I didn’t expect was the value of seeing the other CCCU institutions as co-laborers rather than competitors. I left LDI committing to prayer for the work of many institutions and the people who lead them as we all do this truly important work for one purpose.”

“Attending the LDI was not only a time of connection, rest, renewal, and investment in me as a leader – it was an investment in me as a whole person. The practical and theoretical insights are invaluable, but the friendships made with others doing this work are life changing. The resource leaders’ willingness to pour into others is a gift beyond description!”

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.

Location

The entire workshop program will take place at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. The closest airport to the training center is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). Participants must arrange their own transportation from the airport. Accommodations, materials, and all meals are included in the registration fee.  Accepted applicants can select from single-occupancy accommodations or double occupancy accommodations.

 

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