ARU-HRI CHRO Academy

July 29-31, 2026 | Deloitte University | Dallas, Texas

Nominations will open in mid- to late February. Contact Shari Mickey-Boggs for additional information.

The ARU-HRI CHRO Academy provides an opportunity for HR leaders from ARU-HRI universities who are 2-5 years from the role of R1 University CHROs to develop the skills required to be an influential chief HR executive leader in a disruptive world, driving HR performance and delivering meaningful results for their HR workforce and university employees. Program faculty are current or recently retired AAU CHROs who have real-life experience in positions at our R1 universities. Participants will have the opportunity to formally learn from them as well as network over the two-and-a-half-day program.

Read more about the development and inaugural year of our CHRO Academy.

Program Sample

(click to enlarge)

The Program Objectives

To help high potential HR leaders at ARU-HRI universities prepare to:

  • Meet tough business challenges head-on with readiness and confidence
  • Build a personal and professional higher ed network of HR leaders nationally that will benefit them for a lifetime
  • Gain a better understanding of personal leadership strengths and development opportunities to position oneself for the top HR role

Candidate Qualifications

  • HR and leadership experience
  • Leadership role that reports directly to the CHRO or is a senior-level HR leader on campus working closely with the CHRO
  • HR functional expertise in one or more areas or university leadership over one or more areas
  • Has demonstrated success working with higher ed leadership and senior leadership
  • Is active in national, regional or chapter-level HR organizations, including presenting at concurrent sessions, committee leadership or board committee leadership/participation
  • Has demonstrated the ability to develop strategic direction and vision and/or the ability to implement strategic initiatives
  • Has demonstrated a commitment to improving the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on campus and in the local community
  • Has demonstrated the ability to confidently lead discussions, devise solutions, offer opinions and negotiate in a collegial fashion that leads to problem resolution or compromise
  • Has the ability to research trends and introduce and implement best practices that impact HR services
  • Has an articulated interest in becoming a CHRO

Costs

Universities must support the attendance of successful nominees by paying for travel. Participant registration is included in the ARU-HR Institute annual membership fee.