Cheryl Siemers, director of Kenai Peninsula College (KPC), is one of 18 participants in the yearlong 2024 Western Academic Leadership Academy. Now in its ninth year, the Academy’s professional development program objective is to prepare the region’s next generation of leaders in their state’s community campuses, colleges and universities.

Hosted through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), the Academy is sponsored by two of WICHE’s membership groups, the Western Academic Leadership Forum and the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders, which serve four-year and two-year postsecondary institutions in the West, focuses on campus leadership and sharpening the skills of faculty looking to take the next step in their higher education careers.

Earlier this month, Siemers joined her cohort for a three-day seminar in Boulder, Colorado, where she met her core faculty member mentor, who will guide her through the year-long program. Throughout the year, the 18-member cohort will develop their leadership skills in academic affairs, fiscal affairs, student affairs and external relationships, mainly focusing on the unique needs of the West’s higher education community.  

Siemers said she is honored to be part of this year’s cohort and is very excited for the opportunity to engage with colleagues from peer institutions and build a community that will enhance her own work at the university. She looks forward to future sessions. 

Siemers served as KPC’s assistant director until being named director in spring 2021. She is passionate about higher education, particularly two-year colleges and has championed many diverse programs during her tenure at KPC. From expanding community partnerships and engagement to incorporating local and Indigenous ways of knowing in curriculum development to launching initiatives to better prepare students for success, Siemers persistently leverages her leadership skills to elevate educational opportunities at KPC. 

“Cheryl is exactly the type of institutional leader that WICHE encourages to apply for the Academy,” said Denise Runge, UAA provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.  “I'm so pleased to have been able to support her nomination and look forward to hearing more about what she gains throughout the year-long program. I encourage others across UAA who are interested in joining a future cohort to learn more about the program.”

Her selection by WICHE as one of higher education's emerging leaders is a testament to her drive to continuously improve her skills through her ongoing education and professional development.