Julie Payne-Kirchmeier, Indiana University’s vice president for student success, has been selected for the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education’s 2025-26 cohort.

Julie Payne-Kirchmeier. Photo by Wendi Chitwood, Indiana UniversityThe AGB Institute is for people who aspire to presidencies at four-year public research universities and regional comprehensive institutions and is designed to bolster the pipeline of qualified and diverse presidential candidates.

“Now more than ever, colleges and universities need talented and motivated leaders who are prepared to navigate the ongoing changes to the higher education environment,” Rod McDavis, AGB Search’s managing principal and CEO, said in a news release. “The AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education was created for the distinct purpose of preparing aspiring leaders for successful service, and we are excited to engage and support the growth of the next cohort of leaders.”

Payne-Kirchmeier joined Indiana University in 2022 in the new role of vice president for student success. The cabinet-level role focuses on holistic student success across the university. Payne-Kirchmeier leads a team that serves as IU’s home for comprehensive student success strategy and as a source of support and resources for campus-based student success efforts.

“I am both humbled and excited to be part of the AGB Institute’s 2025-26 cohort,” Payne-Kirchmeier said. “I appreciate the support of President Whitten and other mentors who continue to encourage my involvement and professional development in meaningful ways.”

The seventh AGB Institute cohort includes 25 people from institutions across the U.S. Their experience will begin with an in-person symposium in Washington, D.C., in September.

To date, 24 of the past participants have become presidents or chancellors of higher education institutions, according to an AGB Institute news release.