Alexandria, VA — The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is proud to announce the selection of its eighth cohort of Fellows for the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship. The cohort represents institutions spanning 10 states, bringing together a diverse group of postsecondary CTE leaders committed to advancing their programs and better serving students, including those from underserved populations.
The NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship provides professional and career growth opportunities to leaders in postsecondary CTE through a nationally recognized program that is engaging, individualized, and memorable. The biographies for Cohort 8 are available on the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship page.
The 2026 Cohort 8 Fellows include:
- Rudolph Chavez, College of Southern Nevada (Nevada)
- Jennifer Curtis, Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Arizona)
- Danny Fisher, GateWay Community College (Arizona)
- Renato Freitas, Fort Myers Technical College (Florida)
- Kristin Heathcock, Hillsborough College (Florida)
- Melissa “Missy” Hibbard, Miller-Motte College (Ohio)
- Misty G. Hull, Community College of Aurora (Colorado)
- Kimberly Lea, Palm Beach State College (Florida)
- Tyler Love, University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Maryland)
- Vance Miller, York County School of Technology (Pennsylvania)
- Felita Murphy, Illinois Community College Board (Illinois)
- Joy Pak, Harper College (Illinois)
- Michael L. Pate, Utah State University (Utah)
- Maryann Reid, Purpose to Path (Florida)
- Michelle Sliczniak, Harper College (Illinois)
- Rachel Yager, Fortune Times Group (New York)
“This cohort exemplifies the purpose of the NextLevel Fellowship—exceptional leaders who are deeply committed to strengthening postsecondary CTE and expanding opportunities for learners nationwide. We are excited to support their growth and to see the meaningful, lasting impact they will make within their institutions and communities.”
— Dr. DeAnna Little, Academic Advisor, NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship
About the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship
Now in its eighth year, the NextLevel Fellowship has built a community of more than 100 alumni driving meaningful change at institutions across the country. Through the program, Fellows build organizational leadership and management skills working alongside a cohort of peer professionals and an experienced mentor. Fellows elevate their ability to communicate, collaborate, network, problem-solve, and effectively manage time and resources.
At the heart of the experience is the Make-It-Better plan—a capstone project in which each Fellow identifies a real challenge at their own institution and develops a strategy to address it, creating a lasting, measurable impact.
Fellows receive a year-long professional development experience that includes monthly webinars with nationally recognized CTE and workforce leaders; two in-person convenings including a site visit to a nationally recognized community or technical college; registration for three ACTE national conferences (the National Policy Seminar, the Postsecondary CTE Summit, and CareerTech VISION); presentation opportunities at national conferences; a publication opportunity in ACTE’s Techniques magazine; mentorship from experienced CTE professionals; coaching from Fellowship alumni; and membership in the NextLevel alumni network upon completion.
The tuition for accepted applicants is $3,000, which covers program participation and conference registrations. Travel to in-person meetings is the responsibility of each Fellow.
Sponsorship opportunities to support the Fellows and/or the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship program are ongoing. Contact Postsecondary CTE Manager Dona Orr for more information.
###
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.