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AMHERST, Mass. - Barbara Krauthamer, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts at the �������� Amherst, joins a new class of 31 senior-level higher education professionals in the 2020  (MLI), a premier leadership development program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

MLI provides individuals traditionally underrepresented in the highest ranks of postsecondary education with the opportunity to develop skills, gain a philosophical overview, and build the network and knowledge needed to advance to the presidency. Over its more than 20-year history, the program has produced 632 graduates, of which 131 have become first-time presidents or chancellors. 

Krauthamer previously served as dean of the graduate school and Senior Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Programs. She was appointed dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts in March. “I am honored to be a part of the AASCU Millennium Leadership Initiative.  I’m confident that participating in this program will help me make meaningful contributions to UMass in my role as dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts,” said Krauthamer. “African American women are underrepresented in campus leadership and I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to join a program that is committed to advancing women of color in higher education leadership.”

AASCU restructured the 2020 MLI to continue to advance the next generation of higher education leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s MLI Institute will include two webinars per month from July–November 2020 and an in-person conference in January 2021. Protégés will also have a yearlong mentorship with an experienced president or chancellor and four months of professional coaching from a retired president or chancellor.

“It is important that leadership within higher education represent our institutions’ diverse student body—implementing efforts to help our students succeed, shaping inclusive and effective learning environments, and continuing to advance equity, diversity and social and economic justice across our campuses,” said Dr. Mary Evans Sias, director of the program and assistant to AASCU’s president. “I am proud to welcome our stellar 2020 MLI Class.”

The  (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.