ACE strives to honor the work of individuals, institutions, and programs that commit to diversifying the ranks of higher education leadership and generating creative campus innovation. Visit the following pages to learn more about each award, including nomination deadlines.
The ACE State Network Leadership Award for the Advancement of Women in Higher Education recognizes an outstanding and innovative program sponsored by an ACE state network or by a college or university that helped advance or support women or women’s issues in higher education.
ACE established this award in 1999 to honor the long and outstanding service of Donna Shavlik, past director of ACE’s former Office of Women in Higher Education. The award honors an individual whose leadership demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing women in higher education through actions or initiatives enhancing women’s leadership and career development, campus climate, and mentoring of women at both the state and national levels.
The ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation recognizes colleges or universities that—in a period of great change in higher education—have responded to challenges in innovative and creative ways that allow the institution to thrive. The winning institution from each category will receive $10,000.
The Council of Fellows Mentor Award recognizes ACE member presidents’ and chancellors’ contributions to enhancing the diversity and capacity of future leaders of American higher education. Nominations are solicited annually by the Council of Fellows from all former ACE Fellows.
This award is named in honor of the late Theodore M. Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, esteemed leader in higher education, and former member of the TIAA and CREF Boards of Overseers for 28 years. This award is intended to recognize a current college or university president or chancellor who embodies Hesburgh’s spirit, his commitment to higher education, and his contributions to the greater good. The winner of the Hesburgh Award will receive a $20,000 cash prize for their institution.
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