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ASU Leadership Institute

Discover how ASU leads innovation, from the classroom to our communities.

Apply for Class 9

 

The ASU Leadership Institute is an immersive experience that advances Sun Devil alumni leaders into ambassadors for the university. 

About the ASU Leadership Institute

Alumni will reconnect with their alma mater operating under the new perspective of a Sun Devil leader during our nine monthy Innovation Days. Participants will gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes tours of ASU centers, campus visits and a close-knit network of alumni leaders from versatile industries.

Hear from and connect with ASU executives who are spearheading leadership and innovation within the university. Gain insights into how ASU is fostering constant growth through leadership, and take back to your organization a rejuvenated approach to leadership. 

Apply now

How to apply

The application cycle runs January–April each year. Interviews take place in May and the cohort will run August–May, the length of a school year. 

Application materials

  1. Your resume 
  2. A personal statement of 300-500 words 
  3. One letter of recommendation from current employer 
  4. A nonrefundable application fee of $50
  5. (Optional) letter of recommendation detailing community involvement 

Interviews

After review of your written application, candidates will be notified whether or not they have received an interview. Interviews are conducted at Old Main on ASU’s Tempe campus by program alumni and ASU Alumni Association staff.
 

Eligibility

This program is open to seasoned and emerging Sun Devil alumni leaders, located anywhere in the nation in any industry.

Schedule

Half-day Orientation Aug. 12, 2026
Innovation Day 1Sept. 11, 2026
Innovation Day 2Oct. 9, 2026
Innovation Day 3Nov. 6, 2026
Innovation Day 4Dec. 11, 2026
Innovation Day 5Jan. 22, 2027
Innovation Day 6Feb. 19, 2027
Innovation Day 7March 19, 2027
Innovation Day 8April 16, 2027
Innovation Day 9 and GraduationMay 21, 2027

 

Innovation Days

Bring your curiosity and your walking shoes for these all-day leadership workshops held one Friday a month. Centering around ASU's Charter, the days feature campus visits, behind-the-scenes tours and lectures from ASU leaders.

FAQs

Questions about the ASU Leadership Institute? Contact Ellyse Zwemke at [email protected]

The time commitment for the ASU Leadership Institute includes nine ASU Innovation Days (8am-5pm), the program orientation, graduation and 5 in-person engagement opportunities at ASU which can be selected by the participant. Attendance is mandatory for the orientation, ASU Innovation Day #1 and graduation (absolutely no exceptions). If you cannot commit to the full schedule, please consider applying at another time when it better suits your schedule.

The program fee is $1,850 and due Aug. 31. There is early bird fee is $1,600 if paid in full by Aug. 15. The program fee covers full participation in all ASU Innovation Days, all materials and meals during the institute.

Absolutely. All participants will be required to fulfill time and project requirements at their own expense in addition to the application and tuition fees.

Employers benefit from an employee’s improved leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Through their employee’s involvement, employers gain access to a broad network of prestigious leadership contacts, extensive knowledge of higher education and its impact on society, and how the No. 1 university in innovation prepares the next generation of leaders. Through this nine-month program, participants will learn the value and strength of individual influence on effecting change.

Absolutely. In this case, please submit a letter of recommendation from another source such as a mentor, business partner, former professor, former colleague, etc.

After successful completion of the program, we want participants to stay involved in the ASU Alumni Association, become involved in the university by serving on a board or council, help create and/or raise funds for student scholarships, serve as ambassadors for ASU in the community, and help ensure the ongoing success of this program.

Meet Class 8


View past classes