ACE has selected 25 emerging college and university leaders for the 2025-26 class of the
ACE Fellows Program, the longest-running leadership development program in the United States.
Click here to see the members of the 2025-2026 class of Fellows.
Since its creation in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program has strengthened institutions in American higher education by identifying and preparing over 2,500 faculty, staff, and administrators for senior leadership positions through its distinctive and intensive cohort-based mentorship model. More than 80 percent of Fellows have gone on to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions, and deans of colleges and universities.
“The ACE Fellows Program is a cornerstone of the higher education leadership pipeline, supporting emerging leaders as they develop vital skills and knowledge,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “Fellows gain hands-on experience and learn from seasoned mentors, returning to their institutions ready to lead with confidence and creativity in an ever-changing higher education landscape.”
The 2025-26 class embodies the diversity of the nation’s higher education landscape, representing a broad spectrum of genders, races, ethnicities, institution types, and disciplinary backgrounds. This cohort also spans various geographic regions and aligns with diverse institutional and higher education association missions. Notably, 70 percent of the participants come from public institutions, while 30 percent represent private institutions and higher education associations.
“This year commemorates the 60th anniversary of the ACE Fellows Program. The program was established during a transformative era in our nation’s history, and today’s ACE Fellows find themselves at a similarly pivotal moment,” said Juanita Banks, program director. “As a vital wellspring of knowledge and innovation, ACE Fellows are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change and shape the manner in which higher education builds America.”
The program integrates leadership training with policy analysis and strategic planning skills development, ensuring Fellows are equipped to take on key roles shaping the educational landscape. It incorporates signature features such as retreats, interactive learning opportunities, a project addressing a critical topic of interest, a customizable placement experience at another higher education institution, and the chance to build a valuable network of higher education leaders.
Throughout the year, Fellows engage in tailored experiences that include shadowing a college or university president mentor, participating in high-level administrative activities, and tackling real-world projects. The year ahead will offer countless opportunities for ACE Fellows to view leadership in action and emerge with both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to implement effective changes at their home institutions.
Click here to learn more about the ACE Fellows Program.