UNO's Jason Coleman Selected for Prestigious AASCU Emerging Leaders Program Cohort

Jason D. Coleman, Ph.D, Associate Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) was recently selected as a member of the 2025 American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). Coleman joins 36 other academic and administrative professionals from across the country as part of the cohort.

ELP has helped talented higher education professionals gain the critical skill set and mindset needed to advance to higher-level administrative positions in academe. ELP combines robust in-person and virtual programming that cultivates a comprehensive understanding of important issues, including effective communication, project management, navigating and leading change, and defining a leadership philosophy.

The intensive, in-person component of ELP took place in Washington, D.C., June 24–26. Throughout the year, participants will participate in interactive online sessions. In addition, cohort members will lead a project or initiative at their home campuses under the guidance of a mentor and with support from a project advisor from the AASCU community.

ELP also encourages deep peer-to-peer learning. Participants are provided formal and informal ways to build intentional connections with each other, as well as with their advisors, mentors, ELP faculty, and the AASCU community at large.

“The AASCU Emerging Leaders Program is more than a leadership development opportunity. It’s an investment in the future of higher education. We are proud to support our emerging leaders as they grow their skills, expand their networks, and prepare to shape the future of student success and institutional excellence,” said Kristin G. Esterberg, chancellor, University of Washington Bothell, and ELP executive sponsor.

View the cohort

About the AASCU

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underrepresented student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions delivering America’s promise.