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News Release

LC State’s Hanson is accepted into ELA presidential development program

LEWISTON, Idaho – Lewis-Clark State College Vice President for Student Affairs Andrew Hanson has been appointed to the 2020-21 Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), officials with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities have announced.

The ELA is a unique leadership development program for senior cabinet officers at colleges and universities who show interest and potential in becoming a college or university president. The year-long program provides comprehensive presidential preparation, opportunities to compare and contrast leadership styles, and examines presidential issues at both public and private institutions.

Hanson was one of 40 cabinet officers from around the United States selected to participate in the program. Of the 40 selected from the nominations submitted, half are from public schools and the other half are from private institutions.

Hanson will take part in an initial Zoom call with other participants in late May where they will receive an overview of the program and assignments. Hanson is scheduled to attend two seminars led by current and former presidents and vice presidents, as well as experts in particular areas. Conference calls and webinars are part of the ELA program as well.

Hanson will receive reading materials, assignments, and a professional experiential plan during the training. In addition, LC State President Cynthia Pemberton will provide mentorship and will help develop the experiential plan.

“Dr. Hanson is a highly valued member of our executive leadership team,” Pemberton said. “His career trajectory and goals make him ideally suited to participate in, and benefit from AASCU’s ELA. This will be a wonderful next-step growth opportunity for him, as well as an opportunity to further grow LC’s leadership expertise. We are proud of and excited for him.”

Hanson is a 1992 graduate of LC State with a degree in mathematics. He began working for the college as a recruiter. After a stint at the University of Idaho, where he earned both his master’s and Ph.D., he returned to LC State in 1996. He was named Vice President for Student Affairs in 2012.

During Hanson’s tenure at LC State, he has developed new student orientation programs, implemented successful recruitment initiatives, and launched many student success and retention programs including Academic Coaching and First-Year Experience programs. Hanson has served as the president of the LCSC Alumni Association and has been an adjunct instructor for both the Division of Teacher Education and the Division of Natural Sciences & Mathematics.

ELA is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, The Council of Independent Colleges, and the American Academic Leadership Institute.