Scott named an American Council on Education Fellow
The American Council on Education (ACE) has selected Krista Scott, Ed.D., associate vice president for strategic enrollment management special programs, as an ACE Fellow for academic year 2026-2027. Following nominations by VCU senior administration and a rigorous application process, Scott will join a class of 31 Fellows in the program developed to identify and prepare faculty and staff for senior positions in college and university administration.
Scott previously served VCU as interim associate vice president for summer studies and special programs, as well as associate dean for enrollment and student success. Scott earned a doctorate in education from the Ohio State University, and an M.Ed., B.S. and B.A. from the University of Florida.
“I have always believed that education is a fundamental right and a catalyst for transformative change, and this ACE Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to observe how diverse institutions navigate an ever-evolving environment,” Scott said. “I am deeply appreciative of the support to pursue this opportunity am honored to represent VCU in this cohort. I look forward to a year of intensive learning and growth, and am excited to bring bringing back new insights to further our commitment to excellence.”
Established in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program is designed to strengthen institutions and leadership in American higher education through its distinctive and intensive, nominator-driven, cohort-based mentorship model. Over 2,500 higher education leaders have participated in the ACE Fellows Program over the decades, with close to 150 Fellows currently serving as presidents and provosts, and many more serving as senior administrators and deans.
“Dr. Krista Scott’s selection as an ACE Fellow is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional strategic leadership, institutional vision, and deep commitment to student success,” said Hernan Bucheli, Ed.D., vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success.“At a time when higher education requires leaders who can think boldly, act collaboratively, and guide organizations through change, Krista stands out as exactly that kind of leader,” Bucheli added. “We are proud of this recognition and confident that her ACE Fellowship experience will further strengthen the impact of her leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University and beyond.”
The ACE Fellows Program combines retreats, interactive learning opportunities, visits to campuses and other higher education-related organizations, and placement at another higher education institution to condense years of job experience and skills development into a single year.
During the placement, ACE Fellows observe and work with the president and other senior officers at their host institution, attend decision-making meetings, and focus on issues of interest.
At the conclusion of the fellowship year, Fellows return to their home institution with new knowledge and skills that contribute to capacity-building efforts, along with a network of colleagues across the country and abroad.
About ACE
The American Council on Education is a membership organization that leads higher education with a united vision for the future, galvanizing our members to make change and collaborating across the sector to design solutions for today’s challenges, serve the needs of a diverse student population, and shape effective public policy. As the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of about 1,600 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
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