ACE has selected 26 emerging college and university leaders for the 2024-25 class of the ACE Fellows Program, the longest-running leadership development program in the United States. For more information and to see the members of the 2024-2025 class of Fellows,
click here.
Since its creation in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program has strengthened institutions in American higher education by identifying and preparing over 2,500 faculty, staff, and administrators for senior positions in college and university leadership through its distinctive and intensive cohort-based mentorship model. More than 80 percent of the Fellows who have participated have gone on to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions, and deans.
“For decades, the ACE Fellows Program has played a crucial role in developing a pipeline of skilled, agile, and diverse leaders who advance and invigorate higher education,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “Fellows take part in transformative learning experiences and emerge with new insights, prepared to face whatever challenges the future might bring.”
The 2024-25 class represents the diversity of this country’s higher education institutions by gender, race/ethnicity, institution type, and disciplinary background. The class also reflects a wide array of geographies and institutional missions, including several Fellows with international backgrounds. Seventy percent of the cohort are from public institutions and 30 percent are from private institutions.
“We are honored that the 2024-25 Fellows and their nominators entrust ACE with supporting their leadership journeys,” said Juanita Banks, program director. “This upcoming cohort will have opportunities to gain new leadership perspectives that will enable them to support the work of their nominating institutions. We aim to elevate them as bold and capable leaders.”
The program incorporates its signature features such as retreats, interactive and virtual learning opportunities, visits to campuses and other higher education-related organizations, and placement at another higher education institution. All these experiences are condensed into a single year, providing the Fellows with years of on-the-job experience and skills development.
During the placement, Fellows observe and work with senior officers at their host institutions, attend decision-making meetings, and focus on issues of interest that will benefit their host and nominating institutions. The year ahead will offer many opportunities for ACE Fellows to view leadership in action. Placement institutions will benefit from having an experienced leader who can lend a fresh perspective to emerging or ongoing institutional challenges.
At the conclusion of the fellowship year, Fellows will return to their home institutions with new knowledge, skills, and a network of peers across the country and abroad.
Click here to learn more about the ACE Fellows Program.