ACE - American Council on Education

04/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2026 09:32

ACE Names 31 Emerging Higher Education Leaders to ACE Fellows Program

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​ACE has selected 31 emerging college and university leaders for the 2026-2027 class of the ACE Fellows Program, the longest-running leadership development program in the United States. Click here to see the members of the new Fellows class.

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. Many Fellows go on to serve in cabinet-level positions and as deans of colleges and universities.

"At a time of significant change across higher education, strong leadership has never been more important," said ACE President Ted Mitchell. "As a result of the program, Fellows will be well positioned to navigate this evolving landscape, bringing fresh perspectives, practical experience, and a commitment to shaping the future of higher education. Congratulations to this year's Fellows. We greatly appreciate their commitment to advancing institutional innovation and student success."

The 2026-2027 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, with 39 percent of Fellows hailing from the South, 29 percent from the Northeast, and 16 percent each from the Midwest and West, and aligns with diverse institutional missions. Sixty-seven percent of the participants come from public institutions, and 32 percent represent private institutions.

"The ACE Fellows Program continues to play a vital role in strengthening the higher education leadership pipeline," said Hironao Okahana, ACE's managing researcher and chief of planning and impact. "Through mentorship and hands-on experience, Fellows are prepared to lead with confidence and creativity."

The program integrates leadership training with federal policy insight and skill development, ensuring Fellows are equipped to take on key roles that require them to lead in an evolving sector. It incorporates signature features such as retreats, interactive learning opportunities, projects, a customizable placement experience at another higher education institution, and the chance to build a valuable network of higher education leaders.

The fellowship 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 for higher education.

Click here to learn more about the ACE Fellows Program.

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ACE - American Council on Education published this content on April 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 15, 2026 at 15:33 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]