PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (June 13, 2025) — The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has named Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., Vice President for Research & Innovation at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), as one of 26 distinguished higher education professionals selected for its 2025–2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) cohort.
Established in 1999, MLI is AASCU’s premier leadership development program, designed to prepare senior-level administrators for the challenges and responsibilities of college and university presidencies or chancellorships. Through a combination of intensive workshops, expert-led discussions, and hands-on training, MLI equips participants with the insights, strategies, and professional networks needed to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of higher education leadership.
Dr. Rajan’s selection underscores both his leadership potential and PVAMU’s growing presence on the national stage in higher education and research innovation.
Since MLI’s inception, 777 college and university leaders have participated in the program, with 166 going on to become university presidents or chancellors, while 46 have served multiple presidencies or chancellorships.
“We are pleased to welcome the incoming cohort of talented and qualified individuals to MLI as they embark on their professional journeys to fill presidencies, chancellorships, and other senior-level vacancies in higher education,” said AASCU President and CEO Charles L. Welch. “For more than two decades, MLI has built a strong and lasting network of higher education leaders who reflect the rich perspectives and experiences of our nation and the students we serve.”
The 2025 MLI cohort will meet in Washington, D.C., June 11–14.
By Joe McGinty