Philosophy professor Eric Smaw, special assistant to the provost, has been selected as an ACE Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year by the American Council on Education (ACE).
Philosophy professor Eric Smaw is one of only 25 faculty members nationwide to be chosen for this prestigious fellowship from the American Council on Education (ACE), which prepares higher-education leaders for senior administrative roles.
Founded in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program has developed over 2,500 faculty, staff, and administrators for leadership positions in higher education. More than 80 percent of fellows have gone on to serve as presidents, provosts, deans, and other key leaders at colleges and universities across the country.
As Smaw’s term as special assistant to the provost concludes this June, he will transition into this invaluable fellowship role. Since joining the Office of the Provost two years ago, he has played a key part in implementing Rollins’ strategic initiatives across the College of Liberal Arts, the Hamilton Holt School, and the Crummer Graduate School of Business. His deep commitment to advancing the College’s academic mission will be enriched by the experiences and mentorship he will receive through the ACE Fellows Program.
"The ACE Fellows Program provides aspiring higher-education leaders with invaluable hands-on development through mentorship and diverse learning opportunities," says Smaw. "I hope to deepen my understanding of the policies and practices that shape higher education and use these insights to inform my work at Rollins.”
Throughout the fellowship year, Smaw will engage in leadership training, policy analysis, and strategic planning, all while gaining invaluable experience through a customized placement at another institution, shadowing senior leaders, and participating in high-level administrative projects.
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