The ACE Women’s Network is a national system of networks within each state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia with the goal of advancing and supporting women in higher education. Each state network is led by a state chair who works with institutional representatives and at least one presidential sponsor to develop programs that identify, develop, encourage, advance, link, and support (IDEALS) women in higher education careers within that state.
The state networks are linked to one another through their connection with the American Council on Education (ACE) and the ACE Women’s Network Executive Council, a group of senior women executives from across the country who serve as both mentors to the state chairs and as advisers to ACE on the overall functioning of the ACE Women’s Network. State chairs also benefit from the mentorship and advice from college and university presidents and chancellors who have agreed to serve as presidential sponsors.
The Women’s Network Leadership Mentoring initiative will pair experienced senior leaders with those who are new to their leadership positions or who aspire to higher levels of leadership.
Through evidence-based research, education, and community engagement, our mission is to promote physical and mental health and well-being for girls and women in an equitable, inclusive and socially just manner. We will engage diverse, interdisciplinary research teams to understand the bio-psycho-social facilitators and barriers to mental and physical well-being; how they develop, intersect and change with physical activity behavior across the lifespan; and develop evidence-based strategies to improve the lives of girls and women.
Resources for female-identified students in The Student Health Center include Women’s Health in the Medical Clinic, as well as various workshops and groups in the Counseling Center. In Fall 2021, the following are offered: a Sista Talk support group for women of color, a BodyWise group for women identified students with disordered eating/eating disorders and body image issues, and a Body Project, 4-part workshop that is for women identified students struggling with body image.
Dr. Obare is Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering and Professor Nanoscience at UNCG.
Dr. Touron is Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Psychology at UNCG.
The ACE Women’s Network facilitates the networking of women interested in pursuing leadership opportunities in higher education. A four-part structure—Network Executive Council, independent, state-based networks with state chairs, presidential sponsors, and institutional representatives—facilitates these connections, allows for sharing of best practices, particularly at the State Chairs Annual Conference, and enables local leadership training by the state networks.
