Louters selected to higher ed leadership class

The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education has announced the selected participants for the class of 2023-24. Now entering its fifth year, the institute welcomes 27 participants from institutions around the country who will begin their experience with an in-person symposium in Washington, D.C. in September.

Among the members of the Class of 2023-2024 (Cohort 5) is Dr. Jill Louters, superintendent of the New Rockford-Sheyenne School District. She is the only North Dakota member and also the only K-12 administrator in the class.

The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance is composed of two symposia, four online workshops, attendance at the AGB National Conference on Trusteeship and a shadowing experience with a sitting president. The institute features more than 30 higher education expert presenters including current and former presidents, trustees, search consultants and other sector professionals.

To date, 18 of the past participants of the institute have become presidents or chancellors of higher education institutions, and many other participants have successfully progressed on the pathway to the presidency with commendations and new positions.

The success of the institute comes at a critical moment in higher education. "Those who are preparing to serve in leadership roles are faced with unprecedented challenges on a global scale," said Nancy Zimpher, co-founder and director of the institute.

Recently released data from the American Council on Education's 2023 American College President Study shows that the average tenure of college presidents continues to shorten. Now more than ever, universities need a larger pool of qualified leaders to meet the demands of the higher education sector. The presidency continues to transform as institutions emerge from a three-year pandemic, grapple with high-profile crises and strive to meet the needs of the changing student demographic.

The institute is providing solutions to these challenges by fortifying participants with mentorship and AGB Search Managing Principal and institute co-founder Rod McDavis is optimistic about the future of higher education presidents. "There is now an opportunity to create a different style of presidential leadership," says McDavis.

Louters has worked in education for 35 years as a teacher, administrator, trainer and superintendent. She began her 12th year as superintendent of the New Rockford-Sheyenne School District on July 1.

During her tenure, NR-S Elementary received the 2019 National Blue Ribbon Award, and the Governor also recognized the district's personalized learning practices by naming the district the North Dakota 2018 Innovative District of the Year.

Louters received a National AASA Superintendent Credential in 2017 and recently completed a governor appointed four-year term on the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education as Vice Chairperson.

In addition to her role in the district, she provides parent education trainings through North Dakota State University. Rural education, and the leadership which supports this work, is her passion.