ACUE Welcomes New Leaders to Its Advisory Council
The Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) has proudly announced the addition of three remarkable leaders to its Advisory Council. Waded Cruzado, PhD, President of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Archie Holmes, PhD, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas System, and DeRionne Pollard, PhD, President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), have joined the council, recognized as voices of authority in higher education.
The Importance of Empowering Faculty
These appointments signal ACUE's unyielding commitment to enhancing faculty effectiveness. The leaders understand the profound impact that well-supported faculty can have on student success. ACUE recognizes that empowering educators with resources is the fundamental factor in achieving positive outcomes for students.
Andrew Hermalyn, Chairman and CEO of ACUE, emphasized that the Advisory Council is not merely a symbolic entity but a proactive body composed of experts who share a common goal. He stated, "The Advisory Council is not a ceremonial body—it's a group of leaders who believe... empowering faculty is the single most important thing we can do to drive student success."
Meet the New Council Members
Waded Cruzado
Dr. Cruzado heads APLU, which represents over 250 public research and land-grant universities. Her experience brings invaluable insight into fostering institutional collaboration and advocacy. She expressed her motivation to join the Council by underscoring her belief in ACUE's mission, aiming to reach all types of educational institutions.
Archie Holmes
Dr. Holmes contributes the perspective of academic operations from one of the largest and most influential university systems in the nation. His role enhances collaboration across the University of Texas System, aiming for unified educational excellence.
DeRionne Pollard
Dr. Pollard's leadership in community colleges equips her with a rich understanding of the unique challenges faced by these institutions. Her experience at AACC allows her to advocate effectively for community colleges and their pivotal role in higher education.
Council's Ongoing Efforts
These new appointees join an esteemed Advisory Council that already includes prominent figures like Michael A. Baston, JD, EdD, from Cuyahoga Community College; Summer DeProw, PhD, from the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech; and Ted Mitchell, PhD, from the American Council on Education (ACE). Together, they embody a diverse range of expertise and experiences, bringing fresh perspectives to ACUE's initiatives.
The collective focus of the Advisory Council remains steadfast: ensuring that every faculty member, regardless of their institution or discipline, is equipped with the necessary tools and support. As Ted Mitchell noted, "The expansion of this Council reflects both the growing urgency of that challenge and ACUE's deepening capacity to meet it."
About ACUE
Founded to champion student success through effective teaching, ACUE partners with educational institutions to provide nationally recognized faculty development opportunities. Their signature Effective Teaching certification, endorsed by the ACE, further solidifies their commitment to delivering high-quality instruction. Faculty trained under ACUE methodologies typically see higher engagement and improved student outcomes, forming a vital link between teaching excellence and institutional success.
In conclusion, ACUE's recent appointments not only enhance its mission but also signal the growing recognition of the necessity for effective faculty training in the pursuit of educational excellence. The insights and dedication these leaders bring will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of higher education.
For more information about ACUE and its initiatives, you can visit their site at
acue.org.