UNCP's Jess Boersma Selected for Prestigious National Leadership Program
Dr. Jess Boersma, vice chancellor for strategy, data analytics and institutional performance and chief of staff at UNC Pembroke, has been selected to participate in the 2026-27 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), a highly competitive national leadership development program sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
Boersma is among 31 higher education leaders from across the nation chosen for this year's cohort. The program prepares senior-level administrators for executive leadership roles, including college and university presidencies.
Since its founding in 1999, MLI has helped cultivate the next generation of higher education leaders through executive coaching, mentorship, leadership seminars and networking opportunities. More than 800 leaders have participated in the program, with nearly 175 alumni going on to serve as college and university presidents or chancellors.
“Being selected for the Millennium Leadership Initiative is an incredible honor,” Boersma said. “The opportunity to learn from experienced higher education leaders, engage with colleagues from across the country and further develop my leadership skills will be invaluable. I look forward to bringing those experiences back to UNCP as we continue advancing the university's mission and serving our students.”
“It’s an honor and a vote of confidence,” Boersma said of his selection. “I am grateful for Chancellor (Robin Gary) Cummings, UNCP and the UNC System. It is humbling when you think about my responsibilities are to help do bigger and better things for UNCP and for the entire UNC System.”
Chancellor Cummings said Boersma's selection reflects both his leadership abilities and his commitment to institutional excellence.
“During his time at UNC Pembroke, Jess has distinguished himself as a thoughtful and strategic leader who is deeply committed to the success of the university and the students we serve,” Cummings said. “His selection to AASCU’s Millennium Leadership Initiative is a well-deserved recognition of his accomplishments, character and potential.
“We are proud to see Jess selected for this distinguished opportunity and look forward to the knowledge and insights he will bring back to UNC Pembroke,” Cummings said.
At UNCP, Boersma leads strategic planning initiatives, institutional performance and data-informed decision-making that support the university’s Vision 2031 goals and long-term institutional priorities. He also serves as chief of staff and secretary to the UNCP Board of Trustees.
Prior to joining UNCP, Boersma served in leadership positions at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he created the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Resource Center and co-founded the Support for Undergraduate Research and Creativity Awards and the First-Year Research Experience Program, which provides funding for faculty and student research initiatives.
He also served as associate director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Identity Sciences.
Boersma holds a PhD from Emory University, an MBA in strategic leadership and management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a master's degree in business analytics from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a bachelor's degree in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Before entering higher education administration, Boersma served as a Special Forces operator on humanitarian relief missions throughout Central and South America. He later served as an international election observer for The Carter Center and briefed former President Jimmy Carter on his observations.
Boersma will join the 2026-27 MLI cohort this week in Washington, D.C. for program sessions that mark the beginning of the leadership experience.