Jonathan Peri, Esq.

Jonathan Peri is one of only 23 senior-level administrators in higher education nationwide selected by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to participate in a year-long Executive Leadership Academy.

Individuals chosen for the program are vice presidents or cabinet officers in higher education readying for advancement.  Peri will participate in seminars held in Washington, DC, as well as readings, webinars, an experiential learning plan, and a mentoring program. “Competition for the available places in the program was intense,” said CIC President Richard Ekman. “The review committee found the nomination materials to be most impressive. They (and I) believe that Jon has the potential for highly effective leadership as a college or university president.”

Peri currently serves as Neumann University’s vice president and general counsel, also directing the university’s Center for Leadership speaker series.  “He has gained a reputation in the community as a credible higher education leader with a skill set well beyond his formal roles,” said Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president.  Peri is deeply involved in education and community organizations, serving per high level government appointments as perhaps the only current member of three state education-related boards besides Pennsylvania’s secretary of education. In addition, he is, and has been, the chairman of numerous private institutions, such as The Walden School in Media, PA, where he was recently elected to his fourth term as president of its board of trustees. Widener University’s School of Law, at a recent banquet hosted by the university’s president, law school dean, and alumni board, honored Peri with its Outstanding Service Award.

“Jon is intensely prepared.” Continued Dr. Mirenda.  “Admission to the CIC program is a real testimony to Jon’s comprehensive thinking and worldview around higher education.  Jon understands the perspectives one must bring to the leadership role, and the factors that engender the broader supports needed for success.”

Since the program began in the 2009–2010 academic year, 53 percent of program participants who have completed the program have advanced to higher positions. “These indicators suggest that CIC is helping to meet the leadership needs of higher education by offering highly effective leadership development programs for modest fees to member institutions,” Ekman said.

The Academy is co-sponsored by CIC, the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI), and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Tom Kepple, president of AALI and president emeritus of Juniata College (PA), is the program director.

For more information about the Executive Leadership Academy, visit www.cic.edu/ExecutiveLeadershipAcademy.   

CIC EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS, 2015–2016:

Brian Dalton, Allegheny College (PA)
Sue Stuebner, Allegheny College (PA)
Susan Hasseler, Augustana College (SD)
Kenneth Macur, Bethany College (KS)
Aaron Kleist, Biola University (CA)
Eric LaMott, Concordia University (MN)
Daniel Silber, Culver-Stockton College (MO)
Mark McCoy, DePauw University (IN)
Carla Oleska, Elms College (MA)
Janet Kuser, Fisher College (MA)
Anthony Jones, Fisk University (TN)
Jeffrey Jones, Geneva College (PA)
Marc Camille, Loyola University Maryland
Jonathan Peri, Neumann University (PA)
Michael Brown, North Carolina Wesleyan College (NC)
Aaron Fetrow, Roanoke College (VA)
Andrew Workman, Roger Williams University (RI)
Christopher Dougherty, Rosemont College (PA)
Carllos Lassiter, Rust College (MS)
John Swallow, The University of the South (TN)
David Johns, Union College (KY)
J. Andrew Prall, University of Saint Francis (IN)
Travis Feezell, University of the Ozarks (AR)

The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of 750 nonprofit independent colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that has worked since 1956 to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of private higher education’s contributions to society. CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities as well as conferences, seminars, and other programs that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, and institutional visibility. CIC conducts the largest annual conference of college and university presidents. CIC also provides support to state fundraising associations that organize programs and generate contributions for private colleges and universities. The Council is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.

The American Academic Leadership Institute provides leadership identification and development programs across all sectors of public and private higher education. AALI creates and implements programs and assistance for academic leaders in various administrative positions enabling them to be successful in their roles and to advance the institutions they serve. In addition, AALI supports research and publications and consults with academic leaders and boards of trustees concerning traditional and emerging issues facing higher education and its governance. Headquartered in Washington, DC, AALI and its predecessor organizations have participated in the advancement of higher education for over 30 years. A subsidiary of AALI, Academic Search Inc. (ASI), one of the nation’s premier search firms since 1976, provides significant funds each year to support AALI leadership development programs. The ASI subsidy allows AALI programs to be offered at a comparatively low price.