SEC Academic Leadership Development Program convenes at MSU

SEC provosts panel discussion

The Southeastern Conference’s Academic Leadership Development Program convened last week at Mississippi State, bringing together representatives from all 16 SEC institutions. Pictured, from left, are University of Oklahoma Provost André-Denis Wright, University of Tennessee Knoxville Provost John Zomchick, University of South Carolina Provost Mary Anne Fitzpatrick and MSU Provost David Shaw. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs

The Southeastern Conference’s Academic Leadership Development Program convened at Mississippi State last week, providing a key training opportunity for aspiring university professionals who are poised for growth and expanding administrative responsibilities.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum told participants, “It has never been more important for us to stay focused on our mission of educating and preparing young people to be the future leaders we need.” He added that institutions of higher learning must continue to be leaders in research and meet critical needs in the states and communities they serve.

“MSU is proud to serve the entire state of Mississippi,” he said of the land-grant, Keenum’s alma mater and the state’s leading research university.

With conference coordination by MSU Executive Vice Provost Peter Ryan, the program included many campus faculty leaders and senior administrators, as well as several previous ALDP Fellows, among featured presenters.

With participants from all 16 SEC member institutions, ALDP Fellows heard from keynote speakers on timely topics impacting higher education. Sessions covered artificial intelligence, crisis communications, compliance, financial resources, shared governance and student experience, among other issues.

Learn more about the SEC’s Academic Leadership Development Program at www.secsports.com/academic-leadership-development-program.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

Allison Matthews | Public Affairs

Southeastern Conference’s Academic Leadership Development Program fellows at MSU

Mississippi State University hosted fellows from the Southeastern Conference’s Academic Leadership Development Program last week, providing mentorship, training, and keynote sessions on key issues impacting higher education. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs


Return to Memo

Mississippi State University  •  Mississippi State, MS 39762  •  Main Telephone: (662) 325-2323  •   Contact: The Editor  |  EEO Statement   •   Updated: October 20, 2025Facebook Twitter