The American Council on Education (ACE) and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) today announced the joint appointment of Jonathan Alger as the inaugural America 250 Fellow, a new national fellowship created to advance the role of colleges and universities in strengthening democratic institutions, civic learning, and informed citizenship as the United States marks its 250th anniversary.
Jonathan Alger
This unprecedented collaboration between ACE and AAC&U—two of the nation’s largest and most influential higher education associations—reflects a shared commitment to reinforcing the democratic mission of higher education at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. The fellowship will anchor a series of national initiatives focused on helping colleges and universities prepare students for informed citizenship, ethical leadership, and participation in a pluralistic democracy.
“Jonathan Alger is an exceptional leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to democratic values, civil rights, and the civic purpose of higher education,” said Ted Mitchell, president of ACE. “Launching this fellowship together with AAC&U is a historic step for our organizations, and Jon’s vision will be instrumental in helping campuses strengthen citizenship education at a moment when the nation needs it most.”
Lynn Pasquerella, president of AAC&U, emphasized the significance of both the collaboration and Alger’s appointment. “This fellowship represents a new and powerful partnership between AAC&U and ACE, and Jon is the ideal inaugural fellow,” she said. “His career at the intersection of law, governance, and the public purposes of higher education—combined with his deep understanding of both organizations—positions him perfectly to guide this work at such a consequential time.”
Alger brings to the fellowship a distinguished record of leadership and scholarship. He has served as president of both American University and James Madison University, as a vice president at Rutgers University, as a leading force in antidiscrimination law at the University of Michigan, and in national positions at the American Association of University Professors and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
Widely recognized for his work on freedom of speech, academic governance, institutional integrity, and the civic purposes of higher education, Alger has also served on the governing boards of both ACE and AAC&U. He is also past chair of the boards of Campus Compact and the National Association of College and University Attorneys, and of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Presidents Council. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Council on Foreign Relations and recently received an honorary degree from Swarthmore College—his alma mater.
“Higher education has always been a powerful platform for cultivating informed, responsible citizens,” Alger said. “I am honored to serve as the first America 250 Fellow and to help lead this work during such an important moment in our nation’s history.”
The America 250 Fellowship underscores the enduring role colleges and universities have played in sustaining democratic life. From the founding of the republic to the present day, higher education has served as a cornerstone of civic learning, public engagement, free inquiry, and the exchange of ideas—values that remain essential during the nation’s semiquincentennial and beyond. Through national convenings, public programming, and other collaborative initiatives, the fellowship will strengthen civic learning and democratic engagement across higher education.