Becoming a Member

University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA)

About UCEA

UCEA is a consortium of university-based, preK–12 leadership preparation programs committed to advancing equity and excellence in education. As a community of researchers, faculty, and practitioners, UCEA supports the improvement of educational leadership, policy, and organizations through research, professional learning, and collaboration.

UCEA’s Mission

  • Research: Promoting, sponsoring, and disseminating research on essential problems of schooling and leadership practice.
  • Preparation: Improving the preparation and professional development of educational leaders and professors.
  • Policy: Positively influencing local, state, and national educational policy.

Why Become a UCEA Member?

As a UCEA member, your institution joins a respected consortium of 119 universities committed to high-quality leadership preparation, research, and policy engagement.

  • Engage with leading scholars and institutions in educational leadership.
  • Contribute to national conversations shaping leadership preparation and policy.
  • Collaborate to promote equitable and effective leadership for all students.

Eligibility for Membership

Applying institutions must offer a master’s or doctoral program in educational leadership or administration and demonstrate leadership preparation as a central focus of research, teaching, and service. Full membership requires meeting UCEA’s quality criteria through peer review, including a self-study and site visit.

Membership Cost

Annual dues for full membership are $2,500. Conditional, Associate, and Partner memberships are also available.

For additional information, contact Dr. Jerome Graham at jgraham@msu.edu.

Benefits of Membership

  • Collaboration with major universities on research and program development.
  • Graduate student opportunities through UCEA programs (Graduate Student Summit, Jackson Scholars, Clark Scholars).
  • Access to UCEA-sponsored publications, including EAQ, JCEL, JRLE, and the UCEA Review.
  • Leadership opportunities and reduced registration fees for conferences and workshops.

Membership Resources

The documents below provide an overview of UCEA membership and a visual guide to the membership application process.

UCEA Membership Brochure

PDF • Overview of benefits, eligibility, and cost

A concise, shareable overview of UCEA’s mission, membership benefits, eligibility requirements, and annual dues.

Membership Application Flow Chart

PDF • Visual guide to membership pathways

A step-by-step visual guide outlining Associate and Full membership application pathways.

Join Us

Join your peers who are committed to strengthening leadership preparation and advancing equitable educational outcomes.

Visit ucea.org or contact jgraham@msu.edu to learn more about UCEA membership.