Marist University announced on May 13 that Dr. Carol Rinke, Assistant Provost for Student Success and Professor of Education, has been selected to join the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The ACE Fellows Program is recognized as a leading leadership development initiative in higher education, preparing senior leaders through mentorship and interactive learning opportunities. Dr. Rinke is one of 31 emerging college and university leaders chosen nationally for this year’s cohort, placing Marist among other participating institutions such as Dartmouth College, the University of California, Berkeley, and Virginia Tech.
As Assistant Provost at Marist University, Dr. Rinke oversees five student academic success centers and has played a key role in advancing strategies related to first-year retention and career readiness. She said, “I am grateful to President Weinman and Provost Kodat for their support and honored to be selected for this distinguished group. There is no question that we are at a pivotal moment in higher education and I remain committed to fostering the types of learning environments in which all members of our campus community – students, faculty, and staff alike – can build mutual trust, inquire deeply, and collectively create a better future. I am excited for what I will learn from this fellowship experience to benefit the Marist community.”
Dr. Rinke brings expertise in teaching practice and assessment with an emphasis on student success. Before her current role with the Office of the Provost at Marist University, she co-chaired the institution’s Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaccreditation process with all standards met without recommendations. She also co-founded the Marist Center for Social Justice Research.
The ACE Fellows Program combines retreats, interactive learning sessions, campus visits across institutions nationwide, and a yearlong placement at a host institution where fellows work closely with presidents or senior leaders to gain practical experience. According to ACE President Ted Mitchell: “At a time of significant change across higher education, strong leadership has never been more important… As a result of the program, Fellows will be well positioned to navigate this evolving landscape bringing fresh perspectives practical experience and a commitment to shaping the future of higher education.”
After completing their fellowship year participants return with new knowledge intended to strengthen capacity-building efforts within their home institutions.
