Host an ACE Fellow

​Invite a Fresh Perspective. Build Future Leaders.

When you host an ACE Fellow, you join a powerful knowledge network of institutions committed to cultivating the next generation of higher-ed leadership. 

Why Host?

  • Strengthen the leadership pipeline: Invest in the future of higher education leadership
  • Increase institutional capacity: Fellows support and contribute to projects, strategy, and innovation
  • Gain fresh insights & knowledge: Fellows bring your teams new energy, perspectives, and effective practices from across the sector

What You’ll Do

  • Place the Fellow on strategic initiatives and cross-functional teams
  • Provide access to senior leaders and cabinet-level discussions
  • Assign a primary mentor to guide their experience
  • Offer workspace, tools, and opportunities for campus engagement

Hosting can be for a full year, a semester, or periodic visits. Costs vary by placement type. Fellows simultaneously receive leadership training and support from ACE.

​FAQs

Who are the Fellows?
  • ​Top Talent – Rising senior leaders selected through a national, competitive process and endorsed by their supervisors and presidents.
  • Prepared to Lead – Ready to be immersed in executive shadowing, cabinet meetings, and major campus projects.
  • Proven Pathway – Many Fellows move into presidencies, provostships, and other executive roles. Over 70 current college presidents are former ACE Fellows.
  • Valuable Partners – Bringing fresh perspectives, expertise, and national networks to host campuses.

What does hosting a Fellow involve?
​Hosts provide:
  • Strategic engagement opportunities (projects, committees, board access)
  • Executive mentorship (president/chancellor, provost, and/or senior leaders)
  • Workspace and tools (for semester/year-long placements)
  • Exposure across multiple campus divisions

Must the Fellow be mentored by the host institution’s president?
​Mentorship by the president is not required—but presidential access is essential for the full experience.

How do periodic placements work?
​Periodic Fellows visit on a set schedule (e.g., around board meetings, strategic retreats, or specific projects). Hosts and Fellows design the plan together.

Do hosts pay the Fellow’s salary and benefits?
​No. Salary/benefits are always covered by the Fellow’s sponsoring (home) institution.

​Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders

Express your interest in hosting an ACE Fellow.

Host a Fellow