The application deadline for the ACE Fellows Program--the nation's premier higher education leadership development program—is quickly approaching.
Applications close Friday, Nov. 3, for the 2024-2025 cohort of the program, which has served more than 2,500 higher education leaders, 80 percent of whom have gone on to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions, and deans.
In its over 50-year history, the ACE Fellows program has equipped diverse higher education leaders with experience, knowledge, and skills to be agile throughout their careers, transform colleges and universities, and advance equity and inclusion in higher education. Given the program's unique combination of on-the-job training and skills development and its documented success, it is the most effective leadership development program in U.S. higher education.
Stephanie Santorico, interim dean at the University of Colorado Denver and 2022–23 ACE Fellow, said in a series of testimonials that she found the “hands-on nature of the Fellows Program" extremely useful for her career.
“The Fellows Program provides essential leadership training," Santorico added. “The mentoring structure and the networking opportunities are phenomenal."
The ACE Fellows Program condenses years of work experience and skills development into a single year. Fellows immerse themselves in the practice of leadership and experience the culture, policies, and decision-making processes at their host institutions, enabling them to bring those new learnings and leadership competencies back to their nominating institution. Fellows participate in key meetings, events, and special projects; engage in multiday seminars and case studies; and develop a nationwide network of higher education leaders.
“I think certainly the experience you have in the Fellows year is just transformational," said Michael McDonald, president of the Great Lakes Colleges Association and 2001-2002 ACE Fellow. “It really helps you discern what you want to do in your future and how you want to go about becoming a leader in higher education."
ACE encourages candidates from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, functional areas, and institutional sectors to apply. Individuals from community colleges and minority serving institutions are especially encouraged to apply.
Learn more here about the application, nomination, and placement processes. Please email fellows@acenet.edu with any questions or to receive more information.