The University of Miami (UM)’s School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) is proud to announce that Dr. Soyeon Ahn, Professor and Program Director of the Research, Measurement, and Evaluation Program and Vice Dean and Associate Dean for Research of the School of Education and Human Development, has been named to the 2025–26 cohort of the prestigious American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program. Dr. Ahn’s selection is not only her personal achievement but also a powerful affirmation of the UM SEHD’s commitment to promoting the leadership of women of color in higher education.
The ACE Fellows Program recognizes emerging leaders in higher education who demonstrate courage and commitment to advancing the postsecondary sector, particularly in significantly challenging times. As ACE President Ted Mitchell stated in the welcoming letter for Dr. Soyeon Ahn joining the distinguished community of ACE Fellows, “Your decision to step forward during this pivotal moment—to say, ‘I am a leader’—demonstrates both courage and commitment.” As part of the ACE community, Fellows gain access to a distinguished network and receive mentorship, training, and collaborative opportunities to drive innovation and leadership in higher education.
Nominated by UM SEHD Dean Laura Kohn-Wood, Dr. Soyeon Ahn’s selection reflects the school’s strong commitment to developing the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation and transformative change in education. “At SEHD, we are dedicated to fostering leadership that shapes the future of education,” said Dean Kohn-Wood. “Dr. Ahn’s selection as an ACE Fellow underscores our school’s mission to support and develop leaders who will advance the educational landscape with bold ideas and inclusive excellence.”
Dean Kohn-Wood extended her deep congratulations to Dr. Ahn, recognizing her as an inspiring leader whose contributions will have a lasting impact on the field. “I am incredibly proud of Dr. Ahn and look forward to seeing her continue to make a difference through her leadership. Her success represents our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and excellent academic community,” she added. The School of Education and Human Development continues to champion faculty growth, leadership training, and the development of diverse voices that will shape higher education for years to come.
Empowering Faculty Through Innovation
As part of her ACE Fellowship project and in collaboration with Dean Laura Kohn-Wood and Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Prado, Dr. Soyeon Ahn is spearheading the development of LIFETIME: Lifelong Faculty Growth, Empowerment, and Excellence. This initiative reimagines faculty development by delivering personalized, data-driven strategies that support growth at every stage of an academic career.
LIFETIME is built upon five core pillars: professional growth and leadership, holistic well-being, equity, engagement and global connections, collaboration and recognition, and innovation in faculty development. Moving beyond traditional one-size-fits-all approaches, this initiative leverages adaptive, research-based frameworks to create a comprehensive and individualized system that fosters continuous learning, professional empowerment, and excellence in academia.
“I am excited to introduce LIFETIME, which embodies a transformative approach to faculty development. By using AI to tailor support based on each faculty member’s unique needs, we aim to boost morale, enhance retention, and drive excellence across our academic community,” said Dr. Ahn.
“I am truly honored and excited to be selected as an ACE Fellow,” said Dr. Soyeon Ahn. “The selection process, including the half-day interview with multiple groups of higher education leaders and the opportunity to present my ACE Fellow project proposal, was an incredibly rewarding experience. It provided a valuable moment for reflection and learning.”
Dr. Ahn expressed deep gratitude for the support she has received. “I am especially grateful to Dean Laura Kohn-Wood for her encouragement and investment in my growth as a member of the higher education community,” she said.
Looking ahead to her ACE Fellowship project, Dr. Ahn shared her passion for faculty development. “As Vice Dean, I have always aspired to support faculty success, knowing that it serves as a driving force for student achievement and institutional excellence. Faculty members have unique professional and personal journeys, and I am eager to develop a more personalized approach that recognizes these differences and provides tailored support to help them thrive.”
ACE Fellows Program: Recognizing a National Leader in Higher Education
The ACE Fellows Program, administered by the American Council on Education, is renowned for identifying and cultivating the next generation of higher education leaders. Established as a flagship leadership development program, it offers fellows an immersive experience that includes intensive seminars, project-based learning, and mentorship from senior academic leaders. With a network of more than 2,000 alumni now in influential roles across the nation, the program prepares its participants to address the complexities of modern higher education and drive meaningful institutional change. Dr. Ahn’s inclusion in this elite group highlights her exceptional leadership capabilities and her potential to spearhead transformative change at the University of Miami. ( Learn more about the program here )
Traditional faculty development models often fall short in meeting the diverse needs of educators, contributing to issues like burnout, career stagnation, and low morale. LIFETIME directly addresses these challenges by providing a personalized, dynamic, and growth-oriented framework. In doing so, the initiative aligns with the University of Miami’s mission to foster teaching excellence, student success, and institutional resilience—while also strengthening the broader academic community.
