2026 New Administrators Orientation: Leading with Conviction, Courage, and Confidence

December 8-10, Alexandria, VA 

Welcome to the 2026 New Administrators Orientation (NAO).
Presented by the APLU Office of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR), NAO is designed to help new administrators build the knowledge, connections, and leadership skills needed to succeed in their roles. 

The program is intended for individuals who are new to administrative leadership positions within colleges and programs related to food, agriculture, natural resources, and the life sciences, including deans, associate deans, department heads, directors, experiment station leaders, and Extension administrators.

No matter your administrative position, NAO provides practical guidance for navigating the responsibilities and opportunities of academic administration. 

Through discussions, expert perspectives, and peer engagement, participants will explore topics such as leadership and organizational culture, employee engagement, strategic communication, decision-making, and managing change. Participants will also gain a deeper understanding of the Board on Agriculture Assembly (BAA), including its policy, advocacy, and communications activities, and will have opportunities to engage directly with leaders from USDA. 

By the end of the program, participants will have strengthened their leadership capabilities, expanded their professional network, and gained practical insights they can apply immediately to support their institutions' teaching, research, Extension, and service missions.