Becky Wai-Ling Packard named ACE Fellow
Becky Wai-Ling Packard, Mary E. Woolley Professor of Psychology and Education, has been named an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow for the 2026–27 academic year.
The American Council on Education (ACE) announced today that Becky Wai-Ling Packard, Mary E. Woolley Professor of Psychology and Education at Mount Holyoke College, has been named an ACE Fellow for the academic year 2026–27. Following nominations by the senior administration of their institutions and a rigorous application process, 31 Fellows were selected this year.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be selected as an ACE Fellow,” Packard said. “Thank you to President Holley and Provost Sullivan for their support as I pursue this incredible leadership opportunity.”
Packard’s research focuses on mentoring, with an emphasis on how individuals such as first-generation college students, women and persons of color construct mentoring networks as they navigate complex pathways toward higher education and work. She frequently speaks on these topics at a local, state and national level. She also offers expert advice on ways to design mentoring and advising initiatives for students and faculty.
Packard previously served as Mount Holyoke’s associate dean of faculty and is the founding director of the College’s Teaching and Learning Initiative, as well as a former director of the Weissman Center for Leadership. In those roles, she oversaw faculty mentoring, an array of curricular and cocurricular programs, and several new initiatives.
Provost Lisa Sullivan said, “Becky Packard has always been a leader in higher education; with this appointment, she can take her leadership to the next level. This fellowship provides her with a platform to help shape the future of the liberal arts. We at Mount Holyoke College are all immensely proud of her and can’t wait to see what this opportunity will lead to.”
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, the program identifies and prepares faculty and staff for senior positions in college and university administration. Over 2,500 higher education leaders have participated in the ACE Fellows Program over the decades, including Mount Holyoke College President Danielle R. Holley, with close to 150 Fellows currently serving as presidents and provosts.
“At a time of significant change across higher education, strong leadership has never been more important,” ACE President Ted Mitchell said. “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. Congratulations to this year’s Fellows. We greatly appreciate their commitment to advancing institutional innovation and student success.”
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. This approach condenses years of on-the-job experience and skills development into a single year.
During their placement, Fellows observe and work with their host institution’s president and senior officers, attend decision-making meetings, and focus on issues of interest.
At the conclusion of the fellowship year, Fellows return to their home institution equipped with new knowledge and skills to support capacity-building efforts, as well as a global network of colleagues.
