Applications are now open for the 2026–27 cohort of the ACE Fellows Program, the nation’s premier higher education leadership development experience that has shaped future generations of senior leaders for 60 years. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. This unique model combines immersive learning on another campus, mentorship by former college presidents, and in-person interactive retreats to prepare participants for executive roles across the higher education sector. Of the more than 2,500 alumni, many have gone on to serve as presidents, provosts, deans, and C-suite leaders.
During their fellowship, Fellows step directly into the heart of campus leadership by shadowing presidents and senior executives, joining cabinet- and board-level meetings, and tackling mission-critical projects. Along the way, they expand their networks, strengthen leadership skills, and gain the tools to transform their careers and institutions.
The Fellows journey includes a competitive application and interview process, matching with a host institution aligned to the candidate’s goals, and an immersive placement that may span an academic year, semester, or periodic site visits. Fellows also connect at in-person leadership development retreats, building lifelong connections with peers and mentors nationwide.
ACE is also inviting institutions to host Fellows on their campuses. By hosting these leaders, campuses contribute and invest in the future of higher education. Fellows will work on strategic initiatives and cross-functional teams, learn from C-suite leadership teams, work on projects, and contribute new energy and ideas.
Upon completion of the fellowship, ACE Fellows alumni can join the Council of Fellows (COF), a community of more than 2,000 higher education professionals. The COF provides continued professional development opportunities and keeps alumni engaged with ACE and the higher education ecosystem through commissions, committees, panels, and other advisory roles.
For more information on the application, hosting, and placement, visit the Fellows webpage or contact fellows@acenet.edu.