Fitchburg State University Chief Financial Officer Travis J. Chambers and 35 other higher education leaders are gathering in Washington, D.C., to begin the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), a distinguished program designed to prepare experienced administrators for senior executive roles across colleges and universities.
“Travis’s selection to the Executive Leadership Academy is well deserved,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “I’ve seen firsthand how transformative AASCU’s leadership development programs can be, both for individual leaders and for the institutions they serve. Travis brings tremendous talent, thoughtfulness, and commitment to his work at Fitchburg State, and I know he’ll make the most of this opportunity. The knowledge, relationships, and perspective he gains through this experience will benefit not only his own leadership journey, but our entire university community.”
ELA is offered through a collaborative partnership among the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI). Together, these organizations provide participants with a comprehensive experience that emphasizes leadership development, mentorship, and professional networking.
The program opens with the first of two in-person seminars on June 15–16, bringing cohort members together for an intensive learning experience led by current and former presidents, as well as subject matter experts, addressing key issues shaping higher education today.
“At a time of significant change across the higher education landscape, programs like ELA play a critical role in supporting and preparing the next generation of institutional leaders,” said Charles L. Welch, AASCU’s president and CEO. “Through our partnership, we are proud to invest in leaders who are deeply committed to their campuses and communities.”
Following a competitive selection process, 36 higher education professionals have been chosen for this year’s cohort. Representing a broad cross-section of institutions, participants include senior leaders Since its inception in 2009, ELA has cultivated a strong pipeline of executives, with many alumni advancing to top leadership positions nationwide. The program equips these leaders with the strategic insight and adaptability required to navigate the evolving demands of higher education.
Chambers holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of West Georgia. He earned his Master’s of Business Administration from Kennesaw State in 2013, and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2007. Chambers began his role at Fitchburg State on December 1, 2025.