Join Our Middle Leadership Academy: Now Accepting Applications for 2026–27!

Applications are now open for the 2026–27 Middle Leadership Academy, a collaborative experience supporting campus teams in advancing equity through the lens of servingness. Grounded in Dr. Gina Garcia’s 2019 framework, this year’s Academy centers institutional responsibility for fostering student belonging, persistence, and success, particularly for historically marginalized student populations.

Building on the Network’s 2025 convening, Beyond Designation: Thinking Intentionally about Servingness in the CSU, the Academy introduces a new approach. Rather than entering with a fully developed project, teams will identify an area of focus informed by servingness and use the Academy to reflect on prior efforts, campus context, and next-stage planning. Teams will designate a Team Lead to submit the application and secure a Letter of Support from an appropriate cabinet-level administrator.

Apply to Be a Middle Leadership Academy Facilitator

The Network is also inviting applications for Middle Leadership Academy Team Facilitators. Facilitators support campus teams as coaches and thought partners, helping guide reflection, collaboration, and equity-centered leadership across the Academy experience.

Join Our Info Session for More Information

To learn more about the Middle Leadership Academy and the application process, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming Information Sessions on February 13, 9–10:30 am or March 3, 2–3:30 pm.

Black History Month invites us to reflect not only on legacy and contribution, but also on the ways institutions are supporting Black students and educators in this moment. This month, we are lifting up stories of Black excellence across the CSU, from reflections on servingness and leadership to campus- and system-level contributions that continue to shape higher education. Together, these stories highlight the people, practices, and commitments moving this work forward.

Q & A with Dr. Robert "BJ" Snowden

Celebrating Excellence: Sacramento State’s Black Honors College 

This blog by Dr. Thad Nodine spotlights Sacramento State’s Black Honors College, the first program of its kind in the nation, and the intentional design behind its early success. It examines how integrated academic and co-curricular supports, strong middle leadership, and a focus on servingness have contributed to increased enrollment, retention, and student belonging. Read more to explore how this model is shaping Black student success and what it offers campuses across the CSU.

'Still I Rise’: 29 Stories of Excellence & Achievement

This feature highlights The California State University’s “Still I Rise: 29 Stories of Excellence & Achievement” series, which honors 29 individuals whose leadership, scholarship, and service have shaped the CSU system. Together, these stories lift up Black excellence across the CSU and reflect the lasting impact of those who have helped build campuses grounded in intellectual discipline, academic excellence, and true belonging.