Leading Change in Higher Education Certificate
Given the ever-changing landscape of higher education, college leaders are expected to effectively lead and manage different types of change efforts within their organizations. From large whole college structural change to department-level technical process changes, leaders at all levels and in a wide range of roles and functions are charged to employ skills, resources, and strategies to successfully lead, manage, and sustain change activities within the diverse culture, context, and climate of their institutions.
These courses provide an overview for leaders to identify and apply the key elements of change leadership. Specifically targeted for postsecondary leaders, courses will highlight strategies for research, reflection, and action that they can take to ensure both the success, as well as sustainability of their change projects. Learning topics will include Kezar (2018)’s key change theories and strategies in higher education and macro change framework, Kotter (2012)’s eight steps for leading change, as well as several embedding equity in change frameworks.
The courses will utilize online synchronous learning sessions, online discussions, surveys, readings, videos, and an end of course summary reflection.
See individual course descriptions below for detailed information.
Sponsored by the SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD)
Course Descriptions
Target Audience
Mid to senior-level leaders in a wide range of roles across functional areas (administration, faculty and staff) in postsecondary higher education institutions will benefit from this content. Additionally, leaders at all levels who are tasked with leading organizational change projects within their higher education institutions are welcome.
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this series, all participants should be able to:
- Describe the elements of change leadership in higher education;
- Compare and contrast theories of change in higher education;
- Define macro frameworks for change leadership and explore strategies for embedding equity in change leadership;
- Describe the differences between leading and managing change;
- Define challenges to change and identify approaches to mitigate change challenges;
- Understand and apply effective communication strategies to change efforts;
- Apply change leadership strategies to initiatives in the learner context.
Pre-Requisite Knowledge/Course Completion Requirements
Participants should come with a change initiative in mind – either one they have led or are leading, one they were involved in, or one they could or may be leading in the future. Participants who successfully complete both the Foundations and Championing Change courses will be awarded the Leading Change in Higher Education Certificate.
Participants can expect to spend 3 hours per month in synchronous meetings and 3-5 hours per week on asynchronous readings, videos, and online discussions.
Course Pricing
How to Pay
Available payment methods are:
- Credit Card (Mastercard or Visa)
- CPD General Points
- SUNY Online+ Points
- Campus Check
- Journal Transfer
CPD General/Technical Points: To pay with CPD General or Technical Points, your campus must be a CPD Member. Check if your campus is a member. It is the responsibility of the registrant to determine if enough points are available to use BEFORE completing the registration process. Please contact your Campus Points Contact to determine points eligibility. If points are denied, the registrant is responsible for the payment.
SUNY Online+: To pay with SUNY Online+ Points, you must receive prior approval and you must submit a request via the SUNY Online+ CPD Points Approval Form
Campus Check: Prior campus approval is required. Make check payable to SUNY Center for Professional Development. Mail to SUNY CPD at the address below.
Journal Transfer (State Operated Campuses Only): Prior campus approval is required. An account number with authorizing signature for Journal Transfers is required within 48 hours. You must print and return the invoice that is included with the registration confirmation email.
Important: FULL payment is required 30 days from the date of registration. For more information click CPD Payment Terms and Conditions.
Registration for Fall 2025 – Spring 2026
Fall 2025
Course 1: Foundations of Leading Change in Higher Education August 26 – November 17, 2025
*Prerequisite course*
Synchronous Meeting Dates
Fridays 8:00am-9:30am
- September 5
- September 12
- October 3
- October 24
- November 7
- November 14
Spring 2026
Course 1: Foundations of Leading Change in Higher Education January 6 – March 30, 2026
*Prerequisite course*
Synchronous Meeting Dates
Fridays 8:00am-9:30am
Dates TBD
Course 2: Championing Change Leadership in Higher Education March 31 – May 11, 2026
*Must complete prerequisite course prior to being enrolled in this course*
Synchronous Meeting Dates
Fridays 8:00am-9:30am
Dates TBD
Meet the Instructors
Jennifer Miller
Jennifer Miller is the Executive Director of Professional & Continuing Education (PaCE) in the Provost’s Office at the University at Albany. Prior to joining PaCE in July 2025, she was the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Community Colleges at the State University of New York (SUNY) & the Executive Director, New York State Success Center from 2015-2025. In that role, she provided support and leadership for the statewide activities including projects related to organizational change leadership, enrollment, operations, administration, marketing, and student success, as well as acted as a liaison for community college presidential searches. Jennifer is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. She has also completed the eCornell Change Management Certificate Program, the Harvard Extension School Coaching Leadership Strategies program, the Rutgers University Continuing Education School Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance program, and the SUNY SAIL Mindful Leadership program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from Siena College, a master’s degree in Organizational Communication from the University at Albany, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville University.
Kim Scalzo
Kim A. Scalzo is Senior Associate Provost for Digital Innovation and Academic Services at SUNY System Administration with responsibility for academic technology, innovations in teaching and learning with technology, and academic shared services across the Provost’s Office. Kim Co-led the transformative system-wide implementation of SUNY’s Digital Learning Environment, is currently serving as an Implementation Director for a set of academic innovation initiatives under SUNY’s Digital Transformation Project, and coordinates the SUNY Provost’s Office support for faculty around AI in teaching and learning. Kim previously served as Director of the SUNY Center for Professional Development and as Executive Director of SUNY Online. Prior to joining SUNY, she held multiple roles at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute leading continuing education, academic technology, and distance learning activities. She received her Master’s Degree in Education in College Student Personnel from The College of Saint Rose and her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from SUNY Plattsburgh.
Contact Us
The SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD) supports a wide range of professional development opportunities for the academic, technical, and leadership communities across the SUNY System.