Dean Amanda Bryant-Friedrich selected for ACE Fellowship

The American Council on Education (ACE) has selected Dr. Amanda Bryant-Friedrich, dean of Wayne State University's Graduate School, as one of 31 emerging college and university leaders for the 2026-27 class of the ACE Fellows Program. The fellowship is the longest-running higher education leadership development program in the United States.

As dean of the Graduate School, Bryant-Friedrich has focused on expanding access to graduate education and fostering an environment where trainees can excel in advanced research and professional development. Bryant-Friedrich also serves as administrative lead for the Detroit Center for Black Studies, a collaboration with the Mellon Foundation.

"Dean Bryant-Friedrich is an accomplished scholar and academic leader," said Dr. Keith Whitfield, interim provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. "Her dedication and passion are exemplary of our Wayne State core values of expanding access to education. We are proud of her leadership and accomplishments, and I am confident that she will bring these same values and dedication to this new opportunity."

The ACE Fellows Program provides leadership training in policy analysis, strategic planning, and other practical and theoretical knowledge to ensure fellows are prepared to step into key roles that shape the landscape of higher education.

"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."

Through retreats, interactive learning, research projects, immersive campus placements and cohort-based mentorship, fellows have the opportunity to build a valuable network of higher education leaders and mentors. This kind of experience is one of the reasons that made the fellowship so appealing to Bryant-Friedrich.

"Even with my varied experience, I feel the need to gain mentorship from leaders to fill the gaps in areas I have not encountered," said Bryant-Friedrich. "It is important to me both personally and professionally to become a leader in higher education who has the skills and know-how to truly make a difference."

Bryant-Friedrich's career in the academy began here at Wayne State University as a lecturer in chemistry. Prior to returning to Wayne State in 2020 to serve as dean of the Graduate School, Bryant-Friedrich worked at the University of Toledo as an associate professor and was asked to lead the College of Graduate Studies. She said the prospect of making a true impact on graduate education through this leadership role gave her the energy and motivation to rise to the challenge.

During this time, Bryant-Friedrich elevated her scholarly output and rose to the rank of full professor. As a researcher, Bryant-Friedrich is internationally recognized for her work in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry. Her research focuses on the study of naturally and synthetically modified nucleosides and nucleotides to understand disease etiology and improve drug design. While at the University of Toledo, she was appointed to the role of vice provost for graduate affairs and dean of the College of Graduate Studies and served as interim dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Bryant-Friedrich said these leadership experiences have helped her understand the need for universities to remove roadblocks for those who have the ability and desire to benefit from higher education.

"Through the ACE Fellows Program, I hope to learn how to transform and sustain institutions as places which provide opportunities to all trainees with mitigation of harm while at the same time providing them with the tools and resources needed to elevate their intellect, prepare them for the workforce and to become responsible world citizens who can lead at all times, including times of crisis," she said.

As a fellow, Braynt-Friedrich will have the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester or periodic visits immersed on another campus, learning directly from other leaders in higher education. She said she expects this kind of experience to open up many new areas of discovery for her.

"By continuing to lead here at Wayne State while gaining new perspectives I can effectively work with campus leadership to evaluate and implement innovative approaches to increasing student success, enhancing financial sustainability and forming partnerships with our community," said Bryant-Friedrich. "I look forward to continuing to contribute to our vibrant community in any way that I can."

Following nominations by the senior administration of their institutions and a rigorous application process, 31 fellows were selected this year. Over 2,500 higher education leaders have participated in the ACE Fellows Program over the decades, with close to 150 fellows currently serving as presidents and provosts, and many more serving as senior administrators and deans.