North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Siobahn Day Grady, Ph.D., and Drew Johnson, Ph.D., have been selected for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2025 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). They are among 37 academic and administrative professionals chosen for this year’s cohort, the largest in the program’s 10-year history.
Grady is an associate professor of information systems/science in the School of Library and Information Sciences and founding director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research. A national leader in artificial intelligence, digital access and STEM education, she is also an alumna of the AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador initiative, where her statue was featured in the largest exhibit of women’s statues in the United States. Grady has led major public engagement efforts, launched workforce readiness programs and established endowed scholarships at all the historically Black colleges and universities in the University of North Carolina System.
“I believe leadership is about creating access and opening doors for others,” Grady said. “This opportunity will help me continue building systems that help support the next generation of tech leaders.”
Johnson brings nearly a decade of experience in student success, federal grants and academic support. As director of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program at NCCU, he has expanded student participation, introduced the program’s first micro-credential initiative, and manages a $272,000 federal grant portfolio. He also teaches courses in psychology and first-year experience and presents nationally on mental health, student-athlete success and leadership.
“Leadership is more than a role, it’s a lifelong commitment to growth-seeking, continuous improvement and impact,” said Johnson. “It means striving to improve every day, learning from every experience and encouraging others to reach their highest potential.”
The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to help higher education professionals build the skills and mindset needed for senior leadership. Participants engage in both in-person and virtual training focused on communication, project management, leading change and developing a leadership philosophy. Each participant leads a campus-based project, supported by a mentor and an AASCU project advisor, while benefiting from structured peer learning and networking throughout the year.
“The AASCU Emerging Leaders Program is more than a leadership development opportunity. It’s an investment in the future of higher education. We are proud to support our emerging leaders as they grow their skills, expand their networks, and prepare to shape the future of student success and institutional excellence,” said Kristin Esterberg, chancellor, University of Washington Bothell, and ELP executive sponsor.
For more information about the AASCU and its ELP program, visit https://aascu.org/.