Jonathan Alger Named Inaugural America 250 Fellow in Historic ACE–AAC&U Collaboration

Washington, DC—The American Council on Education (ACE) and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) today announced the joint appointment of Jonathan Alger as the inaugural America 250 Fellow, a new national fellowship created to advance the role of colleges and universities in strengthening democratic institutions, civic learning, and informed citizenship as the United States marks its 250th anniversary.

This unprecedented collaboration between ACE and AAC&U—two of the nation’s largest and most influential higher education associations—reflects a shared commitment to reinforcing the democratic mission of higher education at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. The fellowship will anchor a series of national initiatives focused on helping colleges and universities prepare students for informed citizenship, ethical leadership, and participation in a pluralistic democracy.

“Jonathan Alger is an exceptional leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to democratic values, civil rights, and the civic purpose of higher education,” said Ted Mitchell, president of ACE. “Launching this fellowship together with AAC&U is a historic step for our organizations, and Jon’s vision will be instrumental in helping campuses strengthen citizenship education at a moment when the nation needs it most.”

Lynn Pasquerella, president of AAC&U, emphasized the significance of both the collaboration and Alger’s appointment. “This fellowship represents a new and powerful partnership between AAC&U and ACE, and Jon is the ideal inaugural fellow,” she said. “His career at the intersection of law, governance, and the public purposes of higher education—combined with his deep understanding of both organizations—positions him perfectly to guide this work at such a consequential time.”

Alger brings to the fellowship a distinguished record of leadership and scholarship. He has served as president of both American University and James Madison University, as a vice president at Rutgers University, as a leading force in antidiscrimination law at the University of Michigan, and in national positions at the American Association of University Professors and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.  

Widely recognized for his work on freedom of speech, academic governance, institutional integrity, and the civic purposes of higher education, Alger has also served on the governing boards of both ACE and AAC&U. He is also past chair of the boards of Campus Compact and the National Association of College and University Attorneys, and of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Presidents Council. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Council on Foreign Relations and recently received an honorary degree from Swarthmore College—his alma mater.

“Higher education has always been a powerful platform for cultivating informed, responsible citizens,” Alger said. “I am honored to serve as the first America 250 Fellow and to help lead this work during such an important moment in our nation’s history.”

The America 250 Fellowship underscores the enduring role colleges and universities have played in sustaining democratic life. From the founding of the republic to the present day, higher education has served as a cornerstone of civic learning, public engagement, free inquiry, and the exchange of ideas—values that remain essential during the nation’s semiquincentennial and beyond. Through national convenings, public programming, and other collaborative initiatives, the fellowship will strengthen civic learning and democratic engagement across higher education.

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.

About AAC&U 

The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) is a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the democratic purposes of higher education by promoting equity, innovation, and excellence in liberal education. Through our programs and events, publications and research, public advocacy, and campus-based projects, AAC&U serves as a catalyst and facilitator for innovations that improve educational quality and equity and that support the success of all students. In addition to accredited public and private, two-year and four-year colleges and universities, and state higher education systems and agencies throughout the United States, our membership includes degree-granting higher education institutions around the world as well as other organizations and individuals. To learn more, visit www.aacu.org.