Vice chancellor of Student Affairs, Johnson-Norwood, named American Council on Education Fellow
The American Council on Education (ACE) announced that Dr. Mel Johnson-Norwood, vice chancellor and associate provost of Student Affairs at Winston-Salem State University, has been named an ACE Fellow for academic year 2024-25.
He is among 26 Fellows selected this year, following nominations by senior administration of their institutions and a thorough application process.
Since its inception in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program has strengthened institutions in American higher education by identifying and preparing more than 2,500 faculty, staff and administrators for senior positions in college and university leadership through its distinctive and intensive cohort-based mentorship model.
More than 80 percent of the Fellows who have participated have gone on after their fellowship to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions and deans.
Johnson-Norwood received his Bachelor of Science degree in business education and his master’s degree in educational administration both from Alabama State University. He earned his doctoral degree in higher education administration from Auburn University.
“I am thrilled and honored to be selected for our nation’s most competitive and comprehensive leadership program for higher education,” said Johnson-Norwood. “I appreciate the support of Chancellor (Anthony) Graham and Provost (Kathy) Stitts as I represent Winston-Salem State University. This is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills through an immersive experience and bring this knowledge back to WSSU.”
Johnson-Norwood’s career in higher education spans more than two decades. Prior to WSSU, he served as dean of students at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Ga., and was director of retention and transition services at Miami Dade College in Miami.
“The ACE Fellows Program, known for its history of success, cultivates skilled and promising leaders, driving the growth of a diverse and talented higher education leadership pipeline,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “Through immersive learning experiences, ACE Fellows acquire fresh perspectives and develop distinctive skills to apply upon their return to their home campuses. I am excited to witness the accomplishments of this class.”
The Fellows program incorporates its signature features such as retreats, interactive and virtual learning opportunities, visits to campuses and other higher education-related organizations, and placement at another higher education institution. All these experiences are condensed into a single year, providing the Fellows with years of on-the-job experience and skills development.
During the placement, Fellows observe and work with senior officers at their host institutions, attend decision-making meetings, and focus on issues of interest that will benefit their host and nominating institutions. The year ahead will offer many opportunities for ACE Fellows to view leadership in action. Placement institutions will benefit from having an experienced leader who can lend a fresh perspective to emerging or ongoing institutional challenges.
At the conclusion of the fellowship year, Fellows return to their home institutions with new knowledge and skills along with a network of peers across the country and abroad.
Click here for more information on the ACE and for a complete list of the 2024-2025 class of Fellows.
About ACE
ACE is a membership organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practice. As the major coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education institutions, ACE represents more than 1,600 college and university presidents and related associations. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X (formerly known as Twitter) @ACEducation.
