Leadership development in U.S. Higher education: Strategies for lifelong learning and upskilling

Rapid technological advancements, innovation, shifting job market demands, and organizational change have made continuous learning and skill development essential for leadership success. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to play a critical role in preparing future leaders; however, many HEIs lack structured pathways for leadership upskilling within their curricula. Leadership education often remains largely theoretical, leaving graduates underprepared for real-world leadership challenges. This qualitative study explores how leadership upskilling is structured in U.S. HEIs by conducting interviews with 18 directors of leadership programs. The findings underscore the key strategies employed by HEIs, including adaptability training, real-world experiential learning, mentorship initiatives, and partnerships with external organizations. Despite increasing awareness of the need for leadership upskilling, empirical research on its implementation in HEIs remains limited. This study addresses that gap and offers targeted recommendations for faculty, administrators, and policymakers on embedding structured skill development into leadership education. By integrating more applied and collaborative upskilling approaches, HEIs can better equip students to navigate complex, rapidly changing professional environments and assume leadership roles in the 21st-century workforce.