Virtual Mentoring Circles 2026
LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education has offered one-on-one mentoring since the first Leadership Institute in 2015. Members and participants have shared a demonstrated need for and value of mentoring by senior, out higher education leaders. We are pleased to offer a year-round program of Virtual Mentoring Circles.
Mentoring can provide social and psychological support, skills development and professional progress, and short-term and long-term career advancement and success (Montgomery and Page, 2018). As Richard Helldobler (Board Past-President) has written, “Whether the mentoring is intentional or unintentional, our mere presence can be a powerful tool in reshaping social norms grounded in heterosexism and white male privilege” (In Adler, 2022).
If you’re the only out LGBTQ person in an executive position at your institution, or the only out LGBTQ person on your campus, you may have to look outside your institution or location to find mentorship that understands your situation. Whether you are looking for support and community to help you do your current job better, or you’re looking to find your next position, mentoring circles may be right for you.
“Connecting with other out leaders and having them in my professional circle is an incredible benefit.”
2025 participant
Who Should Participate
Virtual Mentoring Circles are designed for early- to senior- executives at various leadership levels, including directors, chairs, deans, and vice presidents. Circles may be formed around particular areas of job responsibility (academic deans, directors of student life, provosts), regional groupings, academic background (humanists, STEM), or affinity groups. Within groups, there will be diversity of location, type and size of institution. Participants will learn from each other as well as from a trained facilitator who is a current or former senior executive (such as a provost, president, or chancellor).
Application Process
Mid- to senior executives in higher education are invited to apply to participate.
Successful applications will include:
- A description of your current position and responsibilities
- A current CV
- A commitment to a three-month program (new groups will meet in July-August 2026 and in September-October)
- A concise description of your goals for the program
2026 Deadlines:
- Summer 2026 program will meet in July and August. Apply by June 15, 2026.
- Fall 2026 program will meet in September and October and is intended especially for mid-career professionals. Apply between July 13 and August 10.
- Winter 2026 program will meet in November and December and is intended for early-career professionals. Apply between September 28 and October 21.
Completed applications should be sent to programs@lgbtqpresidents.org
We will strive to place all applicants into an appropriate group. If an assignment is not made for a particular time period, efforts will be made to place the applicants into a later grouping.
Fees
Fees are $300 for members, $450 for non members. Leaders with backgrounds in the humanities and humanistic social sciences are particularly encouraged to apply.
Virtual Mentoring Circles are small (five to six participants) and led by a trained facilitator. Circles meet on Zoom, three to five times over three months, for 90 minute sessions. We aim to have at least three Virtual Mentoring Circles in 2026.
Program Structure
Guided by the principles of authenticity, visibility, and mutual benefit, Virtual Mentoring Circles provide intentional mentoring for populations underrepresented in higher education and address the hierarchies inherent in traditional mentoring relationships.
Informational Webinar
Kristin Esterberg (Board President), Jim Berg (Executive Director), and Kirby Knipp (Program Coordinator) hosted an information webinar in April 2025 about the program and how to apply. You may watch the video here.