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About

About the American Council on Education

ACE is the nation’s most visible and influential higher education association. We represent the presidents of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions, which include two- and four-year colleges, private and public universities, and nonprofit and for-profit entities. Our strength lies in our loyal and diverse base of more than 1,800 member institutions, 75 percent of which have been with ACE for over 10 years. That loyalty stands as a testament to the value derived from membership. We convene representatives from all sectors to collectively tackle the toughest higher education challenges, with a focus on improving access and preparing every student to succeed.

Advocacy

ACE is consistently at the center of federal policy debates in areas critical to higher education. Because of our role as a convener of higher education associations and agencies, the higher education community is able to speak with one clear voice on vital issues affecting institutions and students.

In recent years, we have led discussions about Pell grant funding, scientific research, tax proposals, and many other key issues.

As the only organization that represents presidents from all sectors, ACE is:

  • The key point of contact on higher education matters for congressional staff and members of the executive branch at relevant federal agencies.
  • The most frequently cited organization in the national media on higher education issues.
  • Regularly representing higher education on legal issues and federal court cases, including at the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • President to President, the weekly electronic letter from ACE President Molly Corbett Broad to member presidents, serves as a venue to keep members abreast of events in Washington, DC. 

ACE’s efforts on behalf of the nation’s colleges and universities ensure our members are:

  • Informed and up to date on significant public policy issues affecting higher education
  • Connected to federal policymakers
  • Represented on Capitol Hill as federal officials make critical decisions about institutions and students.

Leadership

​As many of today’s higher education leaders begin to retire, America faces a significant challenge. The higher education community must cultivate a diverse and robust pool of leaders to fill these positions and help lead our nation into the future.

In its role representing all sectors of higher education, ACE provides higher education administrators multiple opportunities to learn from colleagues and experts.

Through this work, ACE is helping to strengthen higher education for the next generation.

 
 
Renu Khator 

"In the next decade, American higher education is going to be transformed. We need a collective voice, a shared platform, a place where we can collectively anticipate change, dare to innovate, and learn from each other’s mistakes. I think ACE provides that forum, that collective voice, that shared space, and that togetherness."

Renu Khator

Chancellor, University of Houston System and President, University of Houston (TX)

The Executive Leadership Group
Provides programming for presidents and other senior leaders.

The Emerging Leaders Group
Focuses on rising administrators. This area includes the ACE Fellows Program.

The Inclusive Excellence Group
Fosters greater diversity and inclusion in higher education, particularly within the senior leadership ranks.

The Institutional Leadership Group
Focuses on programs, resources and research that assist senior leaders in improving institutional capacity and effectiveness. This area includes the Sloan Awards for Faculty Career Flexibility and its relevant research.

Lifelong Learning

​ACE and its member institutions have a historic commitment to adult learners. That means we are well positioned to support the increasing number of Americans who take nontraditional paths to a postsecondary education credential.

The Center for Lifelong Learning provides services for adult learners and nontraditional students in the United States. The center is focused on ensuring that every student who desires it has access to higher education and the resources needed to succeed.

Within the center, the College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT) connects workplace learning with colleges and universities. CREDIT does this by helping adults get academic credit, whenever possible, for courses and examinations taken outside traditional channels.

In addition, ACE’s Military Programs recommend equivalent college credits for members of the armed forces for certain types of military training and service experiences.

ACE is committed to supporting America’s veterans through the development of academic centers and networks that provide up-to-date and accurate information for veterans seeking entry into higher education.

International Education

​The Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement offers programs and services that support the internationalization of higher education.

By virtue of ACE’s broad membership, CIGE is able to effectively and efficiently share information and best practices, which ultimately leads to:

  • A more internationally aware faculty and staff, and a more globally engaged student body;
  • Graduates who are prepared to enter and succeed in a globalized workforce;
  • Global connections that enhance the strength of U.S. institutions and help develop higher education worldwide.

CIGE works primarily in the following areas to support ACE’s international priorities:

  • Leads on and encourages international cooperation in critical global higher education issues;
  • Addresses national and international policies that affect the global engagement of higher education;
  • Helps institutions articulate the benefits of international engagement to diverse stakeholders;
  • Conducts, gathers, and disseminates research and analysis on international issues;
  • Assists member institutions with their internationalization strategies;
  • Promotes outreach and collaboration with higher education organizations throughout the world.

About ACE

Leads and Coordinates

As the nation’s largest higher education organization, ACE is at the forefront of the major issues affecting postsecondary education.

Represents and Advocates

As the principal voice of higher education, ACE coordinates the advocacy efforts of the entire community.

Serves

ACE addresses the rapidly changing needs of America’s colleges and universities by providing research and identifying innovative practices.

 

Proud Member

 

WHES_Large.jpg
ACE convenes higher education organizations through the Washington Higher Education Secretariat (WHES).
 
 

ACE Brochure

 

ACE Brochure

 bulletDownload PDF
 
 

Joint Venture

 
GEDTS Logo
GED Testing Service is a joint venture of the American Council on Education and Pearson. The GED® test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 18 million graduates since 1942. Last year nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers.

To learn more about GED Testing Service, and the GED® test, visit the GED Testing Service website.

Board of Directors

Officers

​Diana Natalicio - Chair
President, The University of Texas at El Paso

James H. Mullen Jr. - Vice Chair / Chair-elect
President, Allegheny College (PA)

Joseph E. Aoun- Immediate Past Chair
President, Northeastern University (MA)

Kevin P. Reilly - Secretary
President, University of Wisconsin System

Molly Corbett Broad - Ex Officio
President, American Council on Education

 

Board Members

Term Ending March 2014

Joseph E. Aoun, President, Northeastern University (MA)
 
Philip P. DiStefano, Chancellor, University of Colorado Boulder
 
Elson S. Floyd, President, Washington State University
 
Jo Ann M. Gora, President, Ball State University (IN)
 
Kevin P. Reilly, President, University of Wisconsin System
 
Wayne Watson, President, Chicago State University
 
 

Term Ending March 2015

Robert L. Caret, President, University of Massachusetts System
 
Susan Herbst, President, University of Connecticut
 
Cornelius M. "Neil" Kerwin, President, American University (DC)
 
Renu Khator, Chancellor, University of Houston System and President, University of Houston
 
Diana Natalicio, President, The University of Texas at El Paso
 
Richard J. Pappas, President, Davenport University (MI)
 
Kenneth E. Peacock, Chancellor, Appalachian State University (NC)
 
David Wilson, President, Morgan State University (MD)
 
 

Term Ending March 2016

E. Gordon Gee, President, The Ohio State University
 
Mary E. Lyons, President, University of San Diego
 
Nancy McCallin, President, Colorado Community College System
 
Judy C. Miner, President, Foothill College (CA)
 
Tomás D. Morales, President, California State University, San Bernardino
 
James H. Mullen Jr., President, Allegheny College (PA)
 
Sanford C. Shugart, President, Valencia College (FL)
 
Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor, The State University of New York

 

Designated Associations

American Association of Community Colleges
Rita M. Cepeda, Chancellor, San José/Evergreen Community College District (CA)
Term Ending May 2015
American Association of State Colleges & Universities
Richard Wells, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Term Ending March 2014
Association of American Colleges & Universities
Edward J. Ray, President, Oregon State University
Term Ending June 2015
Association of American Universities
Teresa A. Sullivan, President, University of Virginia
Term Ending March 2014
Association of Catholic Colleges & Universities
Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., President, Saint Anselm College (NH)
Term Ending March 2015
Association of Jesuit Colleges & Universities
John J. DeGioia, President, Georgetown University
Term Ending March 2016
Association of Public & Land-grant Universities
James B. Milliken, President, University of Nebraska
Term Ending March 2014
Council of Independent Colleges
S. Georgia Nugent, President, Kenyon College (OH)
Term Ending March 2015
National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education
Carolyn Meyers, President, Jackson State University (MS)
Term Ending June 2015
National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities
G. Blair Dowden, President, Huntington University (IN)
Term Ending June 2015
 
 
Elected Associations—For One-Year Term, Ending March 2014

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
Michael Reilly, Executive Director

University Professional & Continuing Education Association
Robert J. Hansen, Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Designated Representative—For One-Year Term, Ending March 2014
Washington Higher Education Secretariat
Darrell G. Kirch, President and CEO, Association of American Medical Colleges

​ 

Commissions

Commission on Leadership

Vast library

The Commission on Leadership advises ACE on its programs and activities in the leadership area. Through its Executive Leadership and Emerging Leaders Groups, ACE offers an integrated suite of leadership and professional development programs, research, and activities for higher education administrators throughout their careers. ACE's leadership focus includes:

  • Programs for presidents
  • Programs for chief academic officers and other vice presidents
  • Programs for deans
  • Programs for rising administrators

 Commission members provide guidance and advice on the design and implementation of programs, review issue briefs and other publications, in addition to serving as presenters, conveners, and facilitators for leadership programs. Participation on the Commission also provides networking opportunities for members and a mechanism for members to communicate with the ACE Board of Directors.

Term of membership:   3 years
Meetings:   Fall and at the ACE Annual Meeting

ACE Board of Directors Liaison

JoAnn Gora, President, Ball State University (IN)

  

Term Ending March 31, 2014

Myron B. Allen, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Wyoming

George Blumenthal, Chancellor, University of California Santa Cruz

Jimmy G. Cheek, Chancellor, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Alex Johnson, President, Community College of Allegheny County (PA)

Steve O. Michael, Provost and Professor of Higher Education, Arcadia University (PA)

S. Alan Ray, President, Elmhurst College (IL)

 

Term Ending March 31, 2015

James P. Clements, President, West Virginia University

Bob Davies, President, Eastern Oregon University

Mark A. Heckler, President, Valparaiso University (IN)

Harris Pastides, President, University of South Carolina

Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble, President, Webster University (MO)

Wendy K. Wilkins, Executive Vice President and Provost, New Mexico State University

 

Term Ending March 31, 2016

Quintin B. Bullock, President, Schenectady County Community College (NY)

Brian Casey, President, DePauw University (IN)

Jayne Marie Comstock, President Elect, Winthrop University (SC)

Judith Gay, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Community College of Philadelphia (PA)

J. Keith Motley, Chancellor, University of Massachusetts at Boston

Deborah F. Stanley, President, SUNY Oswego (NY)

Commission on Inclusion

Inclusion

​The Commission on Inclusion advises ACE on its programs and activities in the diversity and inclusion areas. Through its Inclusive Excellence Group, ACE offers a wide array of programs, resources, and research to foster greater inclusivity in higher education, particularly within the senior leadership ranks.

ACE's diversity and inclusion agenda includes:

  • The ACE Women's Network
  • Leadership programs for women and administrators of color
  • Research on the status of minorities in higher education
  •  Initiatives to foster greater collaboration between the international and diversity areas in college and university campuses

Commission members provide guidance and advice on the design and implementation of programs, review issue briefs and other publications, in addition to serving as presenters, conveners, and facilitators for leadership programs. Participation on the Commission also provides networking opportunities for members and a mechanism for members to communicate with the ACE Board of Directors.

Term of membership:   3 years
Meetings:   Spring and Fall

 

Term Ending March 31, 2014

Paula Allen-Meares, Vice President and Chancellor, University of Illinois at Chicago

Lezli Baskerville, President and CEO, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education

A. Gabriel Esteban, President, Seton Hall University (NJ)

Florence M. Garcia, President, Fort Peck Community College (MT)

Gilda Garcia, Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity, University of North Texas

Karen Haynes, President, California State University San Marcos

Michelle Howard-Vital, President, Cheyney University (PA)

Devorah Lieberman, President, University of La Verne (CA)

Christine J. Sobek, President, Waubonsee Community College (IL)

Christine A. Stanley, Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity, Texas A&M University

Karen Stout, President, Montgomery County Community College (PA)

 

Term Ending March 31, 2015

James A. Anderson, Chancellor, Fayetteville State University (NC)

Kimberly R. Cline, President, Mercy College (NY)

Shirley M. Collado, Dean of the College and Chief Diversity Officer, Middlebury College (VT)

Waded Cruzado, President, Montana State University

Wallace Loh, President, University of Maryland

Charles Middleton, President, Roosevelt University (IL)

Damon A. Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor/Vice Provost Strategic Diversity Initiatives & CDO, University of Wisconsin—Madison

Phyllis M. Wise, Vice President, University of Illinois, Chancellor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

 

Term Ending March 31, 2016

Steven Diner, University Professor/Former Chancellor, Rutgers University-Newark (NJ)

Joyce C. Ester, President, City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

Tori Haring-Smith, President, Washington & Jefferson College (PA)

Brian King, Chancellor, Los Rios Community College District

Cindy L. Miles, Chancellor, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (CA)

Judy C. Miner, President, Foothill College (CA)

 

Commission on Lifelong Learning

Hallway of beams

​The Commission on Lifelong Learning helps guide the activities of the Center for Lifelong Learning and its programs.
Advises the staff on lifelong learning trends and other matters pertaining to its programs and services.
Reviews policy statements, guidelines, and principles of good practice on adult learning issues and, where appropriate, submits recommendations for Board action.

Programs within the Center for Lifelong Learning include:

  • Military Programs, including Military Evaluations and military registries (for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps).
  • Corporate Programs, including the College Credit Recommendation Service, Credit by Examination Program, and civilian registries (a series of computerized educational recordkeeping systems that list ACE-evaluated courses).
  • Research related to adults and their access to and success in higher education.

Commission membership primarily includes campus CEOs, joined by other representatives from higher education institutions and educational associations.

Term of membership:   3 years
Meetings:   Spring and Fall

ACE Staff

  • Evelyn Howard

    Associate Director

  • Mary Beth Lakin

    Director, College and University Partnerships

  • Meg Mitcham

    Director Veterans' Programs

  • Michele Spires

    Director

  • Charlene Talbot-Paul

    Associate Director, Corporate Programs

​Term Ending March 31, 2016

Chris Bustamante, Vice Chair, President, Rio Salado College (AZ)

David R. Decker, President, Franklin University (OH)

Thomas Harden, Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Michael Reilly, Executive Director, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

Diana Thomas, Vice President of Training, Learning, and Development, McDonald's Corp

Javier Miyares, President, University of Maryland University College

 

Term Ending March 31, 2015

Richard Carpenter, Chancellor, Lone Star College System (TX)

Maggie George, President, Diné College (AZ)

Sidney A. McPhee, President, Middle Tennessee State University

Paula E. Peinovich, President, National Labor College (MD)

Donald W. Snyder, President, Lehigh Carbon Community College (PA)

Linda Thor, Chancellor, Foothill-De Anza Community College District (CA)

  

Term Ending March 31, 2014

Lee Bash, Secretary, Special Consultant to the University, Graceland University (IA)

John F. Ebersole, President, Excelsior College (NY)

Barbara Gellman-Danley, President, University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College (OH)

Patricia Hsieh, President, San Diego Miramar College (CA)

Walter Kimbrough, President, Dillard University (LA)

Kim Lee, Vice Chancellor for Adult Education, Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education

Kathryn M. Snead, Director, Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges

 

Commission on Internationalization and Global Engagement

Ivy covered wall

​The Commission on Internationalization and Global Engagement advises ACE on its initiatives in comprehensive internationalization and global priorities. This commission serves as an important advisory and strategic planning body for ACE's Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement (CIGE) in the following areas:

  • Developing policy positions on international education and global issues.
  • Conducting research on critical topics in the field.
  • Sponsoring programs to help member institutions advance strategic internationalization.
  • Representing U.S. higher education internationally.

The Commission also guides CIGE in its collaboration with other associations, government departments, and the private sector to advance international initiatives. The work of CIGE will help ensure that the American higher education system is globally engaged.

The Commission meets during the ACE Annual Meeting and in conjunction with the Leadership Network for International Education, a broader group including both presidents and chief academic officers, to discuss a major issue in the internationalization of higher education.

Term of membership:   3 years
Meetings:   Spring and Fall

ACE Staff

  • Patti McGill Peterson

    Presidential Advisor, Global Initiatives

Term Ending June 30, 2013

Esther L. Barazzone, President, Chatham University (PA)

Jack Bermingham, President, Highline Community College (WA)

Carlton E. Brown, President, Clark Atlanta University (GA)

Philip P. DiStefano, Chancellor, University of Colorado at Boulder

Michael Droge, President, Park University (MO)

Lewis M. Duncan, President, Rollins College (FL)

David F. Finney, President, Champlain College (VT)

William V. Flores, President, University of Houston—Downtown (TX)

Mildred Garcia, President, California State University—Fullerton

Lesley Hallick, President, Pacific University (OR)

William R. Harvey, President, Hampton University (VA)

Jonathan A. Kaplan, President, Walden University (MN)

Linda Katehi, Chancellor, University of California, Davis

Anne M. Kress, President, Monroe Community College (NY)

Alberto Maldonado-Ruiz, Chancellor, Universidad del Este (PR)

Ronald Mason, Jr., President, Southern University System (LA)

Jane Dammen McAuliffe, President, Bryn Mawr College (PA)

John W. Miller, President, Central Connecticut State University

Mark B. Rosenberg, President, Florida International University

David A. Sam, President, Elgin Community College (IL)

Suzanne Shipley, President, Shepherd University (WV)

Mary Evans Sias, President, Kentucky State University

Barbara R. Snyder, President, Case Western Reserve University (OH)

David J. Steinberg, President, Long Island University (NY)

 

Programs

ACE is always working to strengthen American colleges and universities. Part of this work happens through ACE’s broad array of programs, which are designed to inform and empower today’s administrators and cultivate the next generation of campus leaders.

Leadership Programs:

The Executive Leadership Group:
Focused on programs, services and research for presidents and senior leaders from deans to presidents.​


The Emerging Leaders Group
Focused on programs and resources for rising college and university administrators.


The Inclusive Excellence Group
Focused on programs, resources and research to foster greater diversity and inclusion in higher education, particularly within the senior leadership ranks.


The Institutional Leadership Group
Focused on programs, resources and research that assist senior leaders in improving institutional capacity and effectiveness.

Special Initiatives

 

ACE frequently develops special projects to help the higher education community respond to a pressing need or challenge. Some of these initiatives include advancing diversity on campus and promoting globalization.
 

​American College Application Campaign
​​​American College Application Campaign
​At Home in the World Initiative
​​​At Home in the World Initiative
Creating Global Citizens
​​Creating Global Citizens: Explore Internationalization at HBCU's
​
​​Making Productivity Real: Essential Readings for Campus Leaders
​
​​Moving the Needle Together: Advancing Women in Higher Education Leadership
​
​​​​The Spectrum Initiative: Advancing Diversity in the College Presidency
 


Awards:

​
​​Adult Learner of the Year
​​​​The Donna Shavlik Award
​
​​The Reginald Wilson Diversity Leadership Award
​​
​​The State Network Leadership Award

 

Corporate Engagement

ACE's Alliances with the Business Community

ACE works closely with organizations to advance programs that strengthen the higher education community. As the major coordinating body for higher education, ACE provides a number of opportunities for strategic collaboration, including:

  • The ACE Annual Meeting, through sponsor, exhibitor, and advertiser opportunities.
  • The Alliance Program, which provides timely information on the sector and year-round recognition for your company.
  • The Executive Search Roundtable for firms specializing in higher education executive searches.
  • The Alliance Program​ – International Education for organizations engaged in the global higher education marketplace.
  • ACE College Credit Recommendation Service, which evaluates and recognizes corporate training and certification programs.
  • Thought leadership opportunities in select program and initiatives.
  • The Presidency, ACE's flagship magazine, which provides advertising opportunities for businesses to strengthen their brand and demonstrate their commitment to higher education.

Advancement

The Advancement Office works with departments Council-wide to develop funding and partnerships that advance ACE’s mission to provide leadership and a unifying voice on higher education issues and to influence public policy through advocacy, research, and program initiatives.

 

Organizational Giving

ACE’s work is driven by a set of strategic priorities. Strong and ongoing relationships with foundations and corporations support ACE programs that:
 
  • Provide leaders with the tools and solutions to be successful.
  • Assist senior leaders in improving institutional capacity and effectiveness.
  • Help ensure that higher education’s future leaders are ready to take on real-world challenges.
  • Shape policies, practices, and perceptions about continuous learning.
  • Support education and attainment of military personnel and veterans.
  • Enhance comprehensive internationalization on U.S. campuses and situate U.S. higher education in a global context.
  • Provide leaders and policymakers with the most contemporary information and perspectives on key policy issues affecting postsecondary education.  

Individual Giving

Individuals may support future higher education leaders through the ACE Fellows Program's Annual Fund and the Fund for the Future or the Inclusive Excellence Group's Women's Leadership Legacy Fund.

Employment


​If you believe that your work should be fulfilling, and your workplace should be collaborative, then we believe you should join our team.

At the American Council on Education, we are driven to make these beliefs a reality with cutting-edge programs and research, unfaltering advocacy and passion to excel as an organization.

Learn more about working at ACE and see a listing of all current job opportunities at ACE.
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