Janaka Lewis selected as 2025-26 Fellow for the American Council on Education
Janaka B. Lewis, Ph.D. , associate dean of curriculum and success, and professor of English in the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences, has been selected to join the 2025-26 class of Fellows for the American Council on Education.
Lewis is one of 25 Fellows chosen from a nationwide pool to identify emerging leaders in higher education and offer an intensive, cohort-based mentorship model on the path to future leadership positions. More than 80 percent of ACE Fellows have gone on to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions, and deans of colleges and universities.
The program integrates leadership training with policy analysis and strategic planning skills development, ensuring Fellows are equipped to take on key roles shaping the educational landscape. Throughout the year, Fellows will engage in tailored experiences that include shadowing a college or university president mentor, participating in high-level administrative activities, and tackling real-world projects. ACE Fellows will have the opportunity to view leadership in action and emerge with both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to implement effective changes at their home institutions.
Lewis is currently exploring institutions in the Southeast for her placement.
“I am thrilled to be selected for this opportunity,” said Lewis. “I am looking forward to working with leadership of a campus within the Southeastern region that connects community and industry partners to curricular opportunities. I believe that building a collaborative foundation of engagement leads to positive outcomes for students, the institution, and the city.”
“Dr. Lewis is an exemplary emerging leader within CHESS and UNC Charlotte, and this ACE fellowship will allow her to continue on this leadership trajectory in an accelerated timeline,” said Chris Boyer, dean of CHESS.
The 2025-26 cohort of Fellows spans various geographic regions and aligns with a wide-range of institutional and higher education association missions. Notably, 70 percent of the participants come from public institutions, while 30 percent represent private institutions and higher education associations.
“The ACE Fellows Program is a cornerstone of the higher education leadership pipeline, supporting emerging leaders as they develop vital skills and knowledge,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “Fellows gain hands-on experience and learn from seasoned mentors, returning to their institutions ready to lead with confidence and creativity in an ever-changing higher education landscape.”