CDI Leadership Institute: Leading Through Tense Times
An immersive multi-month program designed for higher education leaders committed to preparing students to engage across lines of difference in an increasingly diverse and polarized society.
Join the kickoff event for the 2025 cohort in Washington, D.C., October 28-29, 2025!
An Innovative Multi-Month Leadership Journey
As a university leader, you understand the urgent need for inclusive leadership, strategic foresight, and actionable solutions to today’s political challenges. The CDI Leadership Institute is your opportunity to develop these critical skills in a selective professional learning cohort with fellow higher education leadership teams.
Beginning with a 2-day, in-person retreat, this immersive experience equips teams with the evidence-based tools necessary to align on a strategic vision for civil discourse and generate and implement initiatives needed to transform your campus. You’ll leave the retreat with vision and alignment and continue to refine your approach throughout the 8-month program alongside a cohort of esteemed peers.
Join a Distinguished Network of Higher Education Leaders
Our current cohort includes presidents and senior administrators from leading institutions, each driven by the desire to create lasting, positive change in their campus communities. Learn from their experiences, share your challenges, and collaborate on solutions that will transform your institution.
Key Takeaways from the CDI Leadership Institute
As a university leader, you face unprecedented challenges—from managing competing stakeholder expectations to fostering a campus culture that embraces differences. The CDI Leadership Institute provides you with research-backed tools and the culture change framework needed to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth.
Key Takeaways:
Utilize your leadership strengths to lead through challenging times.
Strengthen collaboration among key campus leaders to stay aligned as you tackle divisive issues.
Engage stakeholders to successfully navigate competing demands.
Turn differences into learning opportunities rather than toxic conflict.
Cultivate a campus culture of open inquiry and constructive dialogue.
Join a lifelong network of leaders committed to civil discourse and educational excellence.
"All told, we found it to be incredibly productive and very richly rewarding. Good things are happening on our campus and around the country because of schools’ partnerships with CDI."
