The American Council on Education (ACE) has named Deborah J. Tyksinski, associate provost for sponsored research and continuing education, an ACE Fellow for academic year 2013-14.

The ACE Fellows Program, established in 1965, is designed to strengthen institutions and leadership in American higher education by identifying and preparing promising senior faculty and administrators for responsible positions in college and university administration. Fifty Fellows, nominated by the presidents or chancellors of their institutions, were selected this year following a rigorous application process.

Tyksinski has held a variety of positions over the past two decades. She holds a Ph.D. in Instruction Design, Development and Evaluation from Syracuse University.

"We are pleased that one of SUNYIT's brightest stars has achieved this recognition," said Wolf Yeigh, president. "This program is a great opportunity for Deb, and it will benefit both her and SUNYIT."

According to ACE, most previous Fellows have advanced into major positions in academic administration. Nearly 2,000 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.

The ACE Fellows Program combines retreats, interactive learning opportunities, campus visits and placement at another higher education institution to condense years of on-the-job experience and skills development into a single semester or year. ACE Fellow focus on issues of concern to their sponsoring institution while spending the next academic year working with a college or university president and other senior officers at a host institution. Fellows also attend three week-long retreats on higher education issues organized by ACE, read extensively in the field and engage in other activities to enhance their knowledge about the challenges and opportunities confronting higher education today.

Founded in 1918, ACE is the major coordinating body for all the nation's higher education institutions, representing more than 1,600 college and university presidents, and more than 200 related associations, nationwide. It provides leadership on key higher education issues and influences public policy through advocacy. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu.