New Senior Fellows and Scholars Join AAC&U to Advance Higher Education in 2026-27

The landscape of higher education is constantly evolving, presenting both challenges and exciting opportunities for students, educators, and institutions alike. Ensuring that colleges and universities remain relevant, accessible, and deeply valuable to society is a shared goal. That's why the recent announcement from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) about its 2026-27 Senior Fellows and Senior Scholars is particularly significant. This initiative brings together a group of distinguished leaders whose collective expertise will help shape the future direction of higher education, focusing on areas crucial for student success and the public good.

According to the AAC&U, fourteen higher education leaders have been appointed to these prestigious roles for the upcoming academic year. These individuals will contribute their insights across a range of strategic initiatives, including leadership development, fostering public trust in higher education, innovating program development, enhancing civic learning and engagement, and improving career readiness for graduates. For students, parents, and teachers, this news signals a concerted effort by a leading educational organization to strengthen the core mission of higher education and better prepare learners for the complexities of the modern world.

Bolstering Public Trust and Leadership in Higher Education

One of the key areas of focus for the 2026-27 Senior Fellows and Scholars is the crucial topic of public trust in higher education. In an era where the value and purpose of a college degree are frequently debated, initiatives aimed at reinforcing this trust are vital. Senior Fellows like Sean Buffington, former Vice President for Programs at the Henry Luce Foundation, and Elizabeth Quay Hutchison, Regents’ Professor at the University of New Mexico, will be advising on the AAC&U's Advancing Public Trust in Higher Education (APT) initiative. This work is essential for ensuring that institutions effectively communicate their societal contributions and that the public understands the enduring benefits of a comprehensive education.

Furthermore, leadership development is another cornerstone of the AAC&U's strategic plan, with Senior Fellows like Kyle Farmbry, former president of Guilford College, and Scott L. Thomas, former president of Sterling College, contributing to programs that support individual and institutional resilience. Strong, visionary leadership is indispensable for navigating the complexities of academic administration, fostering innovative learning environments, and advocating for the needs of students and faculty. According to AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella, “AAC&U’s Senior Fellows and Senior Scholars bring deep experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to liberal education.” This commitment is a testament to the ongoing effort to cultivate leaders who can champion the democratic purposes of higher education.

Enhancing Teaching, Learning, and Student Success

A significant number of the new Senior Fellows will be working within the Office of Curricular, Pedagogical, and Digital Innovation, with a direct impact on teaching, learning, and assessment. These experts, including Nancy Bostrom of Macalester College, Kris Ricker Choleva of Holyoke Community College, and Robert Denn of the Tennessee Board of Regents, will focus on AAC&U signature initiatives such as VALUE (Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education), high-impact practices (HIPs), and general education. For students, this means a continued emphasis on educational experiences that are proven to be highly effective, fostering deeper learning and engagement.

High-impact practices, for instance, are teaching and learning strategies that have been widely tested and shown to be beneficial for diverse students. These often include first-year experiences, common intellectual experiences, learning communities, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, diversity/global learning, service-learning, internships, and capstone courses. By integrating the expertise of these Senior Fellows, the AAC&U aims to further embed these practices across institutions, ultimately enriching the learning journey for countless students. For educators, this collaboration offers valuable resources and research to refine their pedagogical approaches.

For students seeking to deepen their understanding of core subjects or prepare for academic challenges, resources like COSMIQ's free voice AI tutoring can complement these institutional efforts by providing personalized, on-demand support. Additionally, students can explore free practice hubs organized by grade and subject to reinforce their learning in areas emphasized by these initiatives.

Promoting Civic Learning and Career Readiness

Beyond the classroom, the AAC&U's new appointments also underscore a strong commitment to civic learning and career readiness. Senior Scholars Melanie Booth, Principal at Nectary Solutions, and Noah Geisel of the University of Colorado Boulder, will work with the Higher Education Democracy Exchange (HEDEX) team. Their efforts will focus on expanding HEDEX's national reach and influence, advising on the Civic Credential Clearinghouse, and broadening its network of partners. This work is crucial for cultivating informed, engaged citizens who are prepared to contribute positively to their communities and the broader democratic process.

Equally important is the focus on career readiness, with Senior Scholar Sherri Braxton Castanzo of Bowdoin College contributing to AAC&U's work in this area. In today's competitive job market, students need more than just a degree; they need demonstrable skills, practical experience, and a clear understanding of how their education translates into professional opportunities. Initiatives that help institutions integrate career preparation throughout the curriculum and connect students with valuable experiences are invaluable for post-graduation success. By bringing in leaders with expertise in these areas, the AAC&U is directly addressing the needs of students preparing to enter the workforce and the expectations of employers seeking well-rounded graduates.

A Collaborative Vision for the Future

The appointment of the 2026-27 Senior Fellows and Senior Scholars represents a significant investment by the AAC&U in the future of higher education. By bringing together such a diverse and accomplished group of individuals, the organization is poised to make substantial progress on critical issues facing colleges and universities today. Their work, extending through June 30, 2027, will contribute to a more equitable, innovative, and excellent educational experience for all students.

This collaborative approach, leveraging deep experience and fresh perspectives, reflects a proactive stance toward ensuring that higher education continues to serve its vital role in society. For anyone invested in the success of students and the strength of our educational institutions, this announcement from the AAC&U is a promising signal of dedication and forward-thinking leadership.