Five distinguished faculty members will join the Big Ten Academic Alliance’s premier leadership program, furthering the UW’s commitment to institutional stewardship and public engagement.
The University of Washington is proud to announce the selection of five accomplished faculty members to represent the university in the 2025–2026 Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Academic Leadership Program (ALP). Their selection reflects the university’s deep commitment to academic excellence, faculty leadership development, and the collaborative promise of the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
Founded in 1989, the BTAA Academic Leadership Program is a cornerstone initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of academic leaders. Participants engage in a year-long experience that includes immersive seminars hosted by Big Ten institutions, campus-based development activities, and cross-institutional collaboration. The program equips faculty with the skills, perspectives, and networks essential for navigating the complex demands of academic leadership.
While the University of Washington’s entry into the Big Ten Conference has drawn widespread attention for its athletic implications, the university’s engagement with the Big Ten Academic Alliance underscores a deeper, more enduring benefit. The BTAA—the nation’s oldest and most successful academic consortium—fosters shared resources, collaborative research, and leadership development opportunities that directly enhance the academic mission of its member institutions.
This year’s ALP fellows exemplify the UW’s breadth of scholarship, commitment to public good, and dedication to institutional stewardship:
Dr. Wendy E. Barrington
Associate Professor, School of Nursing & School of Public Health; Director, Center for Anti-Racism and Community Health (ARCH)
Dr. Barrington’s work at the intersection of epidemiology, health equity, and institutional transformation exemplifies leadership rooted in both scholarly rigor and community engagement. As the inaugural Director of ARCH, she leads initiatives that develop anti-racist research and practice frameworks, mentor emerging scholars, and build community-driven partnerships. Participation in the ALP will further position Dr. Barrington to advance institutional change and mentor future leaders in public health and beyond.
Dr. Aarti Bhat
Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, School of Medicine; Incoming Chair, UW Faculty Senate
A clinician, educator, and advocate for shared governance, Dr. Bhat has demonstrated leadership through her roles in clinical quality improvement, faculty governance, and mentorship. As incoming Chair of the UW Faculty Senate, she will play a pivotal role in fostering collaborative dialogue and guiding faculty engagement during a time of transformation in higher education. The ALP will provide Dr. Bhat with strategic tools and peer networks to support her in this crucial leadership role.
Dr. Renata Bura
Denman Professor of System Bioresource Science and Engineering; Associate Director for Research, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS), College of the Environment
A transformational leader in sustainable materials and bioresource engineering, Dr. Bura has built a distinguished career advancing interdisciplinary research, mentoring diverse talent, and fostering partnerships that bridge academia, industry, and community. Her leadership has revitalized rural economies, expanded hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthened the university’s role in regional innovation. Through the ALP, she aims to deepen her leadership acumen and further contribute to institutional strategy and public engagement.
Dr. Sara Curran
Professor of Sociology; Jackson School of International Studies; Evans School of Public Policy & Governance; Associate Vice Provost for Research
An internationally recognized scholar in migration, demography, and environmental sociology, Dr. Curran brings a wealth of experience in research leadership, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her service on national and international advisory bodies, including the NASEM and IPBES, reflects her ability to bridge scholarship and policy at the highest levels. Through the ALP, she seeks to expand her leadership capacity in support of research resilience, community engagement, and faculty development across the university.
Dr. Xiahua Wei
Associate Dean for Faculty; Associate Professor of Economics, School of Business, UW Bothell
Dr. Wei’s leadership in faculty affairs, strategic initiatives, and AACSB accreditation reflects her commitment to institutional excellence and shared governance. As an applied econometrician, her research on digital economics, AI governance, and platform strategy informs both academic inquiry and public policy. A dedicated mentor and community-engaged scholar, she has guided over 150 undergraduate research projects and built impactful collaborations with industry and nonprofit partners. The ALP will support her continued leadership growth and contributions to the university’s mission.
The Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty congratulates these five outstanding faculty leaders on their selection as ALP Fellows. Their participation in the Academic Leadership Program is not only a recognition of their individual achievements but also a strategic investment in the university’s future.
Learn more about the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Academic Leadership Program it offers.
Story filed by Courtney Laguio, Assistant Director of Communications for the Office for Academic Personnel & Faculty