Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor Award

​2026 Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor Award Nomination Application

Thank you for your interest in the Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor Award nomination. The award will be presented during the Council of Fellows Gathering in Washington, DC on February 27-28, 2026.

The Council of Fellows Mentor Award specifically recognizes the contributions of ACE member presidents and chancellors in nurturing future leaders for higher education. The award highlights their role in preparing leaders to address the evolving landscape of colleges and universities. The winner of the award will receive a $5,000 prize for their institution.

The award is presented annually by the Council of Fellows from all former ACE Fellows to acknowledge the substantial role of mentors in ACE Fellows Program participants’ success.

Nominations are due no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on November 12, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact aceconnect@acenet.edu.

Nomination Criteria

The Council of Fellows Mentor Award criteria focus on a nominee’s demonstrated commitment to leadership development, particularly in fostering diversity and capacity in higher education, along with intentional and consistent mentoring over time. The award recognizes presidents and chancellors who provide transformational leadership and mentor emerging leaders, with selection based on their ability to articulate their mentorship strategies, values, and impact on the individuals they guide.

Key Selection Criteria  

• Commitment to Leadership Development: The nominee must show a dedication to developing the next generation of leaders in American higher education. 

• Intentional Mentoring: The nominee should demonstrate a proactive and purposeful approach to mentoring, rather than a passive or incidental one. 

• Transformational Leadership: Recognition of the mentor’s ability to effect significant positive change in the development of their mentees.
• Articulated Strategies and Values: The nominee should be able to clearly communicate the underlying philosophies and strategies that guide their decision-making and mentoring approach.
• Sustained Relationships: The nominee must have cultivated continuing relationships with their mentees, providing long-term support and guidance.
• Nomination by Former Fellows: The Council of Fellows solicits nominations from its former members for this award.

To be eligible for consideration, a nominee must: 

• Be a president or chancellor (or a recently retired president or chancellor) of an ACE member institution;
• Have served as mentor to three or more ACE Fellows;
• Mentor is defined as an individual who has supported through mentoring an ACE Fellow as a nominator, host campus mentor, and/or post-fellowship Sage.
• Be nominated by a former Fellow; and
• Have at least one additional supporting letter for the nomination from another Fellow mentored by the nominee.