Lincoln University Chief Operating Officer Ashton Cleveland Selected for AASCU’s 2025 Millennium Leadership Initiative Cohort
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Lincoln University of Missouri Chief Operating Officer Ashton Cleveland, J.D., Ed.D., was selected for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2025–2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) cohort.
Lincoln University of Missouri Chief Operating Officer Ashton Cleveland, J.D., Ed.D., has been selected as one of 26 distinguished higher education professionals chosen for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2025–2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) cohort.
Established in 1999, MLI is a premier leadership development program designed to prepare senior-level education leaders for the rigors of college and university presidencies or chancellorships through workshops, discussions and practical training. By connecting them to the expertise, experiences and resources they will need to thrive, participants become equipped to navigate the unique challenges presidents face in today’s complex higher education landscape.
Throughout the program, the cohort will receive mentoring from experienced presidents and shadow their presidential mentors as part of MLI’s immersive experience. This support includes guidance from MLI’s President in Residence Mickey Burnim, who will serve as an adviser to the participants.
Since MLI’s inception, 777 college and university leaders have participated in the program, with 166 going on to become university presidents or chancellors, while 46 have served multiple presidencies or chancellorships.
“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,” said AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch. “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.”
Programming for the 2025 MLI cohort will take place June 11–14 in Washington, D.C.