About Us

It's Time to Reimagine What's Possible

It’s no secret that higher education is navigating a period of profound change. Many of the teaching and learning methods of the past are no longer sufficient, and long-standing processes are being re-examined as institutions and organizations adapt to new realities. While some colleges and universities are struggling to keep pace, this moment also presents an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine what is possible.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(6) association dedicated to innovation and transformation, AFIT works alongside colleges and universities that are choosing to act with intention and courage. Even institutions that appear operationally sound recognize that long-term sustainability now depends on embracing new ways of thinking, working, and leading. With the right support, collaboration, and vision, higher education can move beyond incremental change toward meaningful transformation—strengthening institutions and expanding opportunity for the students and communities they serve.

Learn from Innovators Outside of Higher Education

AFIT inspires innovation by partnering with world-class learning partners from organizations outside of higher education to introduce our members to new models and "next" practices. Over the years, we've learned from:

• Apple
• Christensen Institute
• Cognizant's Center for the Future of Work
• Delivering Happiness
• Disney
• GBMC Healthcare (a 2020 Baldrige recipient)
• Great Place to Work
• Kimberly-Clark 
• Microsoft
• Ritz-Carlton
• Southwest Airlines

... and many more!

Transform Your Organization with Actionable Team Learning

Every year, AFIT partners with thought leaders to explore a timely, relevant theme. Member CEOs and their Reps have a chance to preview the annual learning design at our CEO Forum & Reps Meeting. Their feedback is then used to shape the final learning design, which is presented at the Summer Institute — a team-based, interactive learning experience that gives CEOs and their teams an opportunity to learn and problem-solve together — and collaborate with other AFIT teams.

Network & Collaborate with CEOs Nationwide

Whether you're a first-time president or a seasoned leader, it can be lonely at the top. AFIT offers in-person and virtual networking opportunities that provide a safe space for CEOs to have candid conversations and lively idea exchanges about the leadership challenges and hot button issues impacting their organizations. We host in-person networking sessions twice a year at our annual conferences.

Check out our upcoming discussion topics and facilitators — and join the conversation! See the schedule »

Join AFIT

Moonshots: 

AFIT’s Strategic Vision for the Future

We are a collaborative community of innovators leading the radical renewal of higher education.

Learn more about our Moonshots 

Unparalleled Professional Development

“I have found AFIT to be unequivocally essential to advancing the mission of higher education institutions. The learning environment is superlative and is only matched by the tremendous networking opportunities and connection with best practices, I hold my membership in high regard. Further, each team I have brought to the Summer Institute rank it as one of the best professional development experiences in their career.”

– Dr. Cristobal Valdez, President, Richland Community College, IL