Williams named to ACE panel

Damon A. Williams, vice provost for diversity and climate and chief diversity officer at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has been appointed to a three-year term on the Commission on Inclusion for the American Council on Education (ACE).

Commission members provide guidance and advice on the design and implementation of programs, review issue briefs and other publications, in addition to serving as presenters, conveners, and facilitators for leadership programs.

Williams, heads a division of four academic programs and dozens of specialists dedicated to inclusive excellence initiatives, including some of the nation’s largest and unique recruitment and retention programs for under-represented and first-generation college students along with leading university-wide diversity initiatives. 

 

Commission members are selected based on many factors, including the desire to represent the full range of ACE membership, involve member presidents new to the organization, and appoint representatives with specialized knowledge or interests. 

“ACE is grateful to the presidents and senior leaders who have agreed to serve on these advisory commissions,” says Gretchen M. Bataille, ACE senior vice president for leadership and lifelong learning. “We know they will bring great insight into how ACE can best tackle the challenges facing American higher education today.”

ACE’s diversity and inclusion agenda includes:

• The ACE Women’s Network;
• Leadership programs for women and administrators of color;
• Research on the status of minorities in higher education;
• Initiatives to foster greater collaboration between the international and diversity areas in college and university campuses.

Founded in 1918, ACE is the major coordinating body for 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.