Wartburg College professor of history Daniel Walther is one of 30 higher education administrators nationwide selected to participate in the Council of Independent Colleges 2016-17 Senior Leadership Academy. 
The academy is designed to prepare prospective leaders to assume positions as the chief officers in any division—including academic affairs, student affairs, finance, enrollment management and advancement—in independent higher education.
“I like looking at the big picture and often think at the institutional level,” Walther said. “I think this opportunity will challenge me and put me outside my comfort zone, just like we challenge our students to do.”
Walther, who also is director of the college’s German Institute and has served as the chair of the history department since 1999, will attend an opening seminar Nov. 4-6 in New Orleans and a closing seminar June 22-24, 2017, in Washington, D.C. He also will participate in a mentoring program, work with experts in various aspects of higher education administration, participate in webinars and engage in a series of readings and case studies during the academic year.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in this program in 2010, and I am honored now to serve as Dr. Walther’s mentor,” said Brian Ernsting, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “During the coming year we will work with the SLA team to identify and complete projects that will better prepare him for the challenges of academic leadership.”
Walther wants to learn more about the institutional budgeting process and how finances intersect with the college’s strategic plan, mission and assessment.
“The need to prepare future leaders of colleges and universities has never been greater because the generation of people now in senior leadership positions on campus is rapidly approaching retirement,” said Richard Ekman, CIC president.
The Academy is co-sponsored by CIC and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI).
