The NACS Leadership Institute
The NACS Leadership Institute, sponsored by the NACS Foundation, is an investment in the emerging leaders of the collegiate retailing industry.
What to expect
Participants will take part in a range of webinars, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities that explore key topics such as financial management, marketing, merchandising, customer service, and leadership development. The program also provides opportunities to connect with experienced industry leaders, expand your professional network, learn best practices, and engage in group discussions and problem-solving exercises designed to enhance leadership growth and campus store impact. The first few months of the program are conducted using virtual learning tools and resources to help prepare for the five-day in-person conference.
Interactive Workshops
Hands-On Learning
Peer Networking
Leadership Development
If you want to learn more about yourself, grow in this industry, and connect with a great group of people you’ll collaborate with long after the program ends—I highly recommend the Leadership Institute.
Melissa Peterson
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Who should apply?
The NACS Leadership Institute will accept up to 20 participants for the 2025-26 program year. The program is ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers and become successful leaders in their roles. Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years campus store industry experience or equivalent retail-related experience and carry some fiscal responsibility within the store operation (for example, product buying and inventory management, expense management, etc.).
Closely review the program schedule, travel information and the application process prior to submitting your application. If you have any questions about the program, please contact us at leadership-institute@nacs.org.
Program Overview
2025-2026
The NACS Leadership Institute is intended to assist successful applicants in developing skills and knowledge that go beyond what is needed for the operational management of a campus store. The first phase of the program immerses the participant in a business simulation that explores critical thinking, risk assessment, ethical boundaries, the consequences of decisions, and other similar situations. In other words, a foundation for self-determining who you are as a leader. During the simulation phase you will be part of a small team comprised of other participants.
As a high-level schedule, the 2025-26 Leadership Institute will kick-off in mid-September. There will be two to three virtual meetings of all participants to provide more explanation of the program, the simulation, future presentations and projects, and the culminating in-person event.
There will be scheduled webinars and time allotted for you to conduct a presentation for your supervisor and other store managers regarding your experiences, lessons learned, and newfound knowledge about dealing with challenges. The Leadership Institute will then culminate with a multi-day in-person event, tentatively anticipated to occur in June 2026. Please note attendance at the in-person event is a mandatory component of the Leadership Institute. You will acknowledge this on your application, as well as your supervisor will have acknowledged the requisite time off when they sign their agreement for your participation.
Travel & Cost
Information
Details for the June 2025 in-person conference coming soon.
There are no fees required to participate in the Leadership Institution program. However, participants will be required to attend the in-person program conference in June 2025. Participants receive a travel stipend of up to $500 to offset the travel costs. If the fare exceeds $500, participants will be responsible for the balance. Meals and lodging will be provided for the in-person portion of the program.
Applications open June 2, 2025.
Applications will be accepted between Monday, June 2, 2025 and close at the end of business Thursday, July 31, 2025.
All supporting documentation must be provided to be considered for the program.
1.
Complete your Personal Bio
2.
Provide Responses to Application Questions
3.
Signed Participation Agreement
4.
Signed Supervisor Form
Your supervisor must indicate support of your participation including the necessary time commitments and attendance at the in-person program conference in June 2025.
5.
Brief Resumé
A brief resumé outlining applicable relevant skills, experience, and other personal attributes as reflected on your personal bio form or that you wish to be considered
The application review and participation selection will be conducted anonymous by the volunteer-led group, Leadership Institute Steering Committee. The 2025-26 Leadership Institute participants will be notified via email by September 12, 2025.
Sponsored by the NACS Foundation.
