Deep Economic Development: Partnerships That Are Reshaping Universities and Their Communities

In an ACE2017 panel moderated by ACE’s Louis Soares, presidents Jim Clements (Clemson University) and Gail Mellow (LaGuardia Community College) and Vice President for Economic Development James Woodell (Association of Public and Land-grant Universities) shared insights into the role of higher education in economic development as well as information on partnerships their institutions have undertaken in recent years.

Revamping the Presidential Toolkit Is a Collective Effort

On the final day of ACE2017, Lynn Gangone, vice president for ACE Leadership, Josh Wyner, vice president and executive director of the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, and higher education author and columnist Jeff Selingo joined me for a conversation about the skills and competencies needed by college and university presidents to successfully lead their institutions in today’s day and age.

Diverse Faculty for Diverse Students: How Two Leaders Are Transforming Their Approach

As a Latino and an equity-minded scholar, I often find myself engaged in conversations and attending conference sessions on topics of diversity with other people of color. This is often the case whether I’m at a scholarly conference or most recently at ACE2017, a conference for senior-level administrators including chancellors, presidents, provosts and chief academic officers and deans.

Gail Mellow, President Of LaGuardia Community College, Wins 2017 TIAA Institute Hesburgh Award

Gail O. Mellow, president of LaGuardia Community College, is the winner of the 2017 TIAA Institute Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence, one of the most prestigious awards in academia. Named in honor of Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. (1917-2015), former president of the University of Notre Dame and a world-renowned educator and humanitarian, the award recognizes outstanding leadership on the part of a college or university president or chancellor.

John Lewis Receives John Hope Franklin Award

U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) received the 2017 John Hope Franklin Award Monday evening at a reception hosted by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. The legendary congressman was joined by two other recipients of the 2017 Franklin medal—Wilma J. Roscoe and Samuel L. Myers—who were recognized for their work as “longtime guiding forces” behind the National Association for Equal Opportunity, the umbrella advocacy group for historically black colleges and universities.

UVA President Teresa Sullivan Discusses Campus Free Speech in ACE2017 Atwell Plenary

Teresa A. Sullivan, president of the University of Virginia, gave the keynote address at the Robert H. Atwell Plenary at ACE2017. A sociologist and nationally recognized higher education leader, Sullivan became UVA’s first female president when she took office in August 2010.

ACE2017: Leadership in a Changing World

ACE2017, the Council’s 99th Annual Meeting, wrapped up on Tuesday, March 14 in Washington, DC. Along with leadership in a changing world, the meeting also addressed issues related to higher education leadership, equity and social justice, and innovation, and ACE staff have posted blogs covering a selection of these sessions and events. Also included is a selection of videos from ACE2017 plenary sessions.

USF System President Judy Genshaft Urges Women to Keep Climbing at Women’s Leadership Dinner

“Never give up, keep climbing and stay focused.” Three seemingly simple pieces of advice, but words that are a testament to the many years of dedication to women and higher education by USF System President Judy Genshaft, the 2017 recipient of the Donna Shavlik award.

Innovation Doesn’t Need to be Shrouded in Secrecy

How do you bridge the realities facing your institution with the real need for a future vision? Such was the question posed by Rick Staisloff, principal of RPK Group, to a group of college and university presidents at ACE2017. The answer isn’t easy, and it’s often a glaring omission of college and university innovation efforts. Without it, faculty and staff might view efforts at change with skepticism, and they aren’t necessarily wrong to do so.

The ACE Fellows Program: Considering the Move From Faculty to Administration

Faculty member or administrator? Rob Deemer, member of the ACE Fellows Class of 2016-17, says maybe both: Leadership development programs can add to your career options rather than make you abandon the academic discipline you love.

Between Scylla and Charybdis: Navigating the Cost of College

Even with its long-term benefits understood, the challenges for many households to afford college make it clear that the current model cannot simply continue without strategic innovation, writes Geoffrey Brackett, executive vice president of Marist College.

ACE Report Calls for Breadth of Opportunity and Perspective in Leadership Development Work

A new report finds that the ACE Fellows Program distinctive and intensive nominator-driven mentorship model delivers on its commitment to develop knowledge and skills for aspiring senior leaders in higher education.