Training for Leaders

2025-2026 New Heads University
The New Heads University is a one-year cohort for leaders new to their position or community. Topics covered will include leadership and governance, school finances, Episcopal identity, church-school relationships, enrollment management, marketing and admissions, legal issues, personnel management, and Head of School self-care. This cohort allows you to find camaraderie and connection in a safe environment as you navigate the challenges of leading a school.
First-Year NHU Registration Fee: $925.00 Member School | $1,000.00 Non-Member School
Additionally, this year, we are extending last year’s cohort for another year, so you will be connecting with an additional group of people who have completed their first year and want to keep learning and growing together! The registration fee for NHU Year 2 is $595 and includes dinner, snacks, and materials.
Over half of our meetings are in-person, with the remaining meetings being Zoom calls. This year, we are hosting in-person meetings in San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas, and Houston. The dates and locations for those meetings are shown below:
- September 11 - 12, 2025 - In person - Diocese of West TX, Bishop Jones Center, San Antonio
- October 2, 2025 - In Person - All Saints Episcopal School, Phoenix, AZ
- November 5, 2025 - Zoom Call - 10:00 am
- December 10, 2025 - Zoom Call - 10:00 am
- January 15-16, 2026 - In person - Dallas, Texas (Location TBD)
- February 18, 2026 - Zoom call 10:00 am
- March 25, 2026 - Zoom call - 10:00 am
- April 16-17, 2026 - In-person - Houston, Texas (Location TBD)
Except for the meeting in October, all in-person meetings will begin at 1:00 pm on the first day and end at noon on the following day. The October meeting is being held in conjunction with the SAES Leadership Symposium and Heads meeting, which will take place the following day on October 4 at All Saints Episcopal School in Phoenix. NHU COHORT MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE A 50% DISCOUNT ON REGISTRATION FOR LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM! Click HERE for more information on that meeting.
Here is what a few of our former cohort members had to say about their experience:
New Heads University has truly empowered me and has been an absolute blessing! The cohort has helped me grow into a more confident and capable leader, equipped with the tools and mindset to step into this new role as the best administrator I can be. Beyond professional development, I have gained lasting friendships that continue to inspire and support me, as well as relationships that I will carry with me throughout my career.
Emily Sontag, Head of School, St. Michael's Episcopal School, Mandeville, LA
Emily Sontag, Head of School, St. Michael's Episcopal School, Mandeville, LA
"Over the course of a year, NHU transformed my uncertainty into confidence by equipping me with the insight, support, and practical tools I needed to lead with clarity and purpose. This program included carefully selected, engaging, and informative speakers who brought real-world relevance to each one of our sessions. Along the way, this program also fostered lasting friendships and a strong sense of camaraderie, reminding us that we’re never leading alone."
Brooke Newman, Head of School, St. Alban's Episcopal School, Harlingen, TX
"In a position where isolation can sometimes creep in, this cohort became my rock. The relationships I’ve built within this group and the shared experiences we've had have truly been invaluable. It is not always easy to step into vulnerable spaces, but I was consistently uplifted by the thoughtful discussions and the camaraderie fostered within the group. I wholeheartedly recommend New Heads University to anyone stepping into a similar role. It’s more than just a program; it’s a community that provides guidance, support, and above all, a sense of belonging.”
Rebecca Beavers, Head of School, St. Michael's Episcopal School, Austin, TX
Cancellation & Financial Policies: Cancellations received two weeks prior to the event will receive an 80% refund. After that time, replacement registrants are welcome but no refunds are available.
Medial Release Policy: Attendance at, or participation in SAES meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to SAES's use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee's image or voice in photographs, videos, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities.