The American Council on Education (ACE) announced today that R.J. Woodring, associate dean for student success and administration at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, has been named an ACE Fellow for academic year 2026–27. Following nominations by the senior administration of their institutions and a rigorous application process, 31 Fellows were selected this year—a full list is available on the ACE website.
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, nominator-driven, cohort-based mentorship model. 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.
“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.”
Woodring leads a broad portfolio including recruitment, admissions, advising, career services, international programs, and leadership initiatives serving close to 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students and is a key member of the school’s administrative leadership team, providing guidance across core operational areas, including budget and finance, marketing, human resources, and facilities. He is also a frequent contributor to IUB campus committees, most notably serving on the recent budget model redesign committee and co-chairing the student success pillar of the campus strategic plan, IUB 2030.
“I am incredibly honored to represent Indiana University as an ACE Fellow and humbled to join this distinguished program,” Woodring said. “This opportunity will allow me to deepen my perspective and bring back insights that strengthen our work at IU and the O’Neill School. I am grateful to Chancellor David Reingold and Dean Sian Mooney for their support in this endeavor.”
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.
During the placement, Fellows observe and work with the president and other senior officers at their host institution, attend decision-making meetings, and focus on issues of interest.
At the conclusion of the fellowship year, Fellows return to their home institution with new knowledge and skills that contribute to capacity-building efforts, along with a network of colleagues across the country and abroad.
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About ACE
ACE is a membership organization that leads higher education with a united vision for the future, galvanizing our members to make change and collaborating across the sector to design solutions for today’s challenges, serve the needs of a diverse student population, and shape effective public policy. As the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of about 1,600 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.