For many members of the 2015-16 class of the ACE Fellows Program,
the institutions they will be returning to this fall will look and feel
drastically different than when they left. This past academic year saw
major changes in leadership and increased student activism at some
Fellows’ home and host institutions.
Amid all that change and uncertainty, the Fellows found a measure of
stability last month when the cohort gathered for its final retreat in
Washington, DC.
The program’s four-day closing retreat not only served as a crucial
time to reflect on experiences, challenges and successes over the year,
but also provided a venue where Fellows could tap into the combined
personal and professional strength of the cohort. Formally, the retreat
served as the culmination of several year-long activities and provided a
final course in higher education administration.
Last fall, the Fellows visited Marygrove College (MI) as part of a
live case-study to explore how they could draw upon their varied
backgrounds and skillsets to help Marygrove rebound from impact of the
headwinds buffeting surrounding Detroit metro area and contribute to
urban renewal efforts while staying true to its mission. At the closing
event, the Fellows engaged in a productive discussion with Marygrove
President Elizabeth Burns, a 2004-05 Fellow. Burns expressed optimism
about Marygrove’s future, even as she supplied a frank assessment of the
school’s ongoing hardships.
Other discussions focused on challenging areas such as the state
funding crisis in Illinois and diversity and inclusion issues. ACE Vice
President and General Counsel Peter McDonough provided a deep dive on
pressing legal topics and the Fellows met with their “Sages,” the
Program’s Presidential Leadership Group Facilitators, distinguished
college and university presidents who advise Fellows individually
throughout the year.
The retreat also marked the official debut of Sherri Lind Hughes as
the director of the ACE Fellows Program. A 2002-03 Fellow, Hughes joined
ACE in June and said she is looking forward to officially ushering in
her first year with the 2016-17 class this fall. “The Fellows Program is
an outstanding example of comprehensive leadership development for
emerging leaders in higher education. I am eager to work with the next
generation of leaders to ensure that they are prepared to serve
students, their universities and higher education as a whole,” Hughes
said.
As the Fellows have learned over the last year, the current volatile
nature of the higher education landscape requires a keen understanding
of the issues and one’s own abilities in order to build the
institutional capacity the enterprise needs. Hughes hopes that Fellows
leave the Program with this final reminder: “If we’re waiting for a new
normal. Stop waiting. But, know that you are well prepared to help your
institutions thrive in this constantly changing environment.”
The application for the 2017-18 class is now available. For more information, please click here.