CWU College of Business Dean selected for national leadership institute

The Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) is an annual leadership development program designed to give participating senior-level education leaders the opportunity to further hone their skills, in preparation for eventual presidencies or chancellorships.

This year, CWU’s Dean of the College of Business Faiza Khoja was one of the 26 leaders nationwide selected to participate in this prestigious program, hosted by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

“I am deeply honored to join the 2025-2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative cohort,” Khoja said. “This opportunity is about more than personal growth; it’s about learning how to better serve our students, faculty, and communities. I’m excited to collaborate with and learn from fellow changemakers to bring back creative ideas that advances access in higher education. Together, we can build a future where every student has the support and opportunity they need to thrive.”

The programming for the cohort included a trip to Washington, D.C., from June 11-14, during which Khoja participated in a series of workshops, discussions, and practical trainings. As she progresses through the MLI program, she will spend the next year working with a mentor president from another institution, shadowing them to glean deep insights into the complex world of executive leadership in higher education.

Since its inception in 1999, MLI has trained 777 college and university leaders, many of whom have gone on to become university presidents themselves. In a press release announcing this year’s cohort, AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch pointed out that this peer-based network provides the foundation for a higher education landscape capable of both cohesion and diversity of thought — both necessary traits in a changing world.

“We are pleased to welcome the incoming cohort of talented and qualified individuals to MLI as they embark on their professional journeys to fill presidencies, chancellorships, and other senior-level vacancies in higher education,” he said. “For more than two decades, MLI has built a strong and lasting network of higher education leaders who reflect the rich perspectives and experiences of our nation and the students we serve.”