Loyal listeners of ACE’s dotEDU podcast will have the opportunity at the ACE Experience 2026 (ACEx2026) to join the dotEDU team for a dynamic in-person, interactive recording unpacking important higher education policy issues.This isn’t your typical policy briefing—expect candid conversation, expert insights, and a look at what’s on the horizon for campuses nationwide from dotEDU hosts Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer, who will be taking audience questions to help drive their discussion.
ACEx2026, a multi-faceted, high-impact convening for college and university leaders is set for Feb. 25-28 in Washington, DC. Anchored by the ACE Annual Meeting, Feb. 26-27, ACEx2026 will empower campus leaders to foster innovation and resilience and champion higher education’s vital role in building our nation’s future.
dotEDU is just one of a number of ACEx2026 sessions exploring pressing public policy issues.
ACE President Ted Mitchell will kick off the Annual Meeting with a candid look at the forces pressing on our institutions and how higher education leaders can focus on advancing solutions and demonstrating that Higher Education Builds America. Following that address Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education, and David Pressman, former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, will engage in a frank conversation about the rising tide of authoritarianism and its implications for higher education and democratic society.
Other policy-oriented sessions include:
- An address by U.S. Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent, followed by a federal policy update from Fansmith
- ACE General Counsel Peter McDonough leading a discussion about the questions and concerns campus leaders continue to face about pressures to enter agreements with federal agencies
- A panel discussion about the global consequences of U.S. policy on higher education
In addition to the ACE Annual Meeting, ACE member presidents and chancellors can participate in
ACE on the Hill on Feb. 25, a high-level policy engagement event that will connect campus leaders directly with lawmakers, as well as special presidents-only Annual Meeting sessions.
Click here for more information about other sessions and events at ACEx2026 and to register.
