Dr. Jonathan Chitiyo, assistant professor of special education at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, was one of 35 U.S. higher education professionals accepted into the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Emerging Leaders Program.

Chitiyo, who leads the first-year seminar program at Pitt-Bradford, was selected for the 2021 program.

The association created the leadership development program in 2015 to prepare early- to mid-career academic and administrative staff to advance to administrative roles with greater responsibility and oversight.

“These campus leaders are poised to be our future senior executives charged with shaping our institutions to ensure inclusivity, equity, and student success,” said Dr. Charles L. Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System, chair of the AASCU Board of Directors, and coordinator of Emerging Leaders Program,

Chitiyo said he is thrilled to be part of the prestigious program and is looking forward to transporting the skills he learns to Pitt-Bradford.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 ELP will be held virtually. It will feature one faculty-led webinar per month from April through November 2021 and include smaller group sessions for reflection, networking, and case studies.

ELP participants will develop an on-campus project or initiative to strengthen their leadership skills and positively impact their institutions and communities. Cohort members will work with a leader on their campus to develop and execute their project.

Chitiyo, who began teaching at Pitt-Bradford in 2016, has a doctorate in special education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, both from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Africa University in Zimbabwe.