University of Northern Iowa
04/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2026 13:13
Oksana Grybovych Hafermann named American Council on Education Fellow
University of Northern Iowa chief of staff selected for national leadership development program
WASHINGTON - The American Council on Education (ACE) announced on Wednesday that UNI Chief of Staff Oksana Grybovych Hafermann has been named an ACE Fellow for the 2026-27 academic year. Following nominations by the senior administration of their institutions and a rigorous application process, 31 Fellows were selected this year.
"Being named an ACE Fellow is a fitting recognition of the commitment that Oksana has shown to her University of Northern Iowa students and colleagues," said UNI president Mark Nook. "Oksana has demonstrated the leadership skills and abilities that are essential in the evolving higher education environment. She is very deserving of this honor. Her fellowship will provide her with experiences that will be valuable to both her and the university. I am looking forward to learning from her as she engages in the work of this fellowship."
Established in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program is designed to strengthen institutions and leadership in American higher education by identifying and preparing faculty and staff for senior positions in college and university administration through its distinctive and intensive mentorship model. Over 2,000 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.
"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 program combines retreats, interactive learning opportunities, visits to campuses and other higher education-related organizations, and placement at another higher education institution to condense years of on-the-job experience and skills development into a single year.
"I am deeply honored to be selected as an ACE Fellow and to represent the University of Northern Iowa in this premier national program," said Grybovych Hafermann. "I look forward to learning from experienced leaders, gaining new perspectives, and engaging in meaningful work that strengthens higher education and advances student success. I am especially excited to bring these insights back to UNI and continue collaborating with colleagues to advance our shared mission."
At UNI, Grybovych Hafermann serves as chief of staff and a Cabinet member providing strategic leadership across institutional planning, governance, government relations, and academic affairs. She has held progressively responsible leadership roles at UNI spanning academic affairs, accreditation, enrollment strategy, and faculty leadership, and previously served as associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Education. A longtime faculty member and administrator, she brings extensive experience in institutional strategy, policy development, and cross-sector partnership building.
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