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Galloway, N.J. —The American Council on Education (ACE) announced on March 24 that Robert R. Heinrich, special assistant to the president for University Partnerships and Initiatives at ��������app, has been named an ACE Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year.

Heinrich was one of 25 senior administrators of various colleges and universities throughout the United States that were selected after a thorough application process.

Since its inception in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program has strengthened institutions in American higher education by identifying and preparing over 2,500 faculty, staff and administrators for senior leadership positions through its distinctive and intensive cohort-based mentorship model. More than 80% of Fellows have gone on to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions, and deans of colleges and universities.

“The ACE Fellows Program has a 60-year legacy of developing insightful, experienced leaders who are prepared to navigate whatever challenges and opportunities the future brings,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “Fellows engage in intensive learning experiences that enhance their skills and broaden their perspectives, and I am eager to see how this cohort moves higher education forward.”

Heinrich has been a member of the Stockton community since 1998 and currently serves as the Special Assistant to the President for University Partnerships and Initiatives. In this role, he focuses on strengthening partnerships with two-year community colleges and supporting initiatives within the William T. Daly School of General Studies to enhance Stockton’s High School Dual Credit Program. 

Heinrich has also served as Vice President for Enrollment Management, overseeing Admissions, the Bursar’s Office and Financial Aid, as well as the Chief Information Officer, where he provided strategic leadership in the planning and implementation of technology resources to support the university’s academic, administrative, research and outreach activities. 

“Dr. Heinrich’s participation in the ACE Fellows Program is a tremendous opportunity for professional growth as he engages in a year-long, off-campus placement where he will be mentored by another university president,” said ��������app President Joe Bertolino. “He will gain valuable professional insights and experiences during the fellowship where he will contribute and be exposed to innovative strategies and best practices that will strengthen the talents he has cultivated during his extensive higher education career.”

The program integrates leadership training with policy analysis and strategic planning skills development, ensuring Fellows are equipped to take on key roles shaping the educational landscape. It incorporates signature features such as retreats, interactive learning opportunities, a project addressing a critical topic of interest, a customizable placement experience at another higher education institution and the chance to build a valuable network of higher education leaders.

Throughout the year, Fellows engage in tailored experiences that include shadowing a college or university president mentor, participating in high-level administrative activities, and tackling real-world projects. The year ahead will offer countless opportunities for ACE Fellows to view leadership in action and emerge with both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to implement effective changes at their home institutions.

About ACE 

ACE 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, the organization’s strength lies in its diverse membership of more than 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 or follow ACE on X and .