Chancellor honored for identifying, mentoring university leaders

American Council on Education notes Hemenway's service

KU Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway has been honored for his role in recognizing and mentoring leaders in higher education.

Hemenway was presented with the 2009 Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor’s Award on Feb. 8 during the 91st annual meeting of the American Council on Education in Washington, D.C.

Robert Hemenway

The Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor’s Award is presented annually to acknowledge the enormous role of mentors in the success of ACE Fellows Program participants. Hemenway was recognized for his service as a role model for nine ACE fellows since 1991. In addition, he has nominated two emerging leaders to participate in the fellows program.

“Developing the leadership potential of participants in the fellows program would be impossible without the mentorship and support offered by people like Chancellor Hemenway,” said Sharon A. McDade, director of the ACE Fellows Program. “We are deeply indebted to him — and to the hundreds of presidents and senior officers of colleges and universities who serve as mentors and nominators for fellows.”

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 members for senior positions in college and university administration. More than 1,500 higher education leaders have participated in the ACE Fellows Program since its inception, with more than 300 fellows having served as chief executive officers of colleges or universities and more than 1,300 having served as provosts, vice presidents and deans.

“Working with the outstanding leaders identified through the American Council on Education Fellows Program has been a greatly rewarding experience,” Hemenway said. “I’ve had the honor of getting to know some of the best young men and women working in higher education today. Their dedication and promise have inspired me, and I sincerely appreciate this award that recognizes the importance of mentorship for aspiring leaders.”

To be eligible for the Council of Fellows/Fidelity Investments Mentor’s Award, a nominee must have been a president or chancellor of an ACE member institution and have mentored four or more ACE fellows. Selection is based on a range of factors, including a commitment to leadership development with evidence that the nominee worked to enhance the diversity and capacity of higher education leaders through mentoring.