Tracy Poon Tambascia named American Council on Education Fellow

The American Council on Education (ACE) announced that USC Rossier Professor of Clinical Education Tracy Poon Tambascia has been named an ACE Fellow for the academic year 2024–25. Following nomination by the senior administration of their institutions and a thorough application process, 26 fellows were selected this year. For more information and to see the members of the 2024–2025 class of fellows, click here.

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 positions in college and university leadership through its distinctive and intensive cohort-based mentorship model. More than 80 percent of the fellows who have participated have gone on after their fellowship to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions and deans.

“The ACE Fellows Program, known for its history of success, cultivates skilled and promising leaders, driving the growth of a diverse and talented higher education leadership pipeline,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “Through immersive learning experiences, ACE Fellows acquire fresh perspectives and develop distinctive skills to apply upon their return to their home campuses. I am excited to witness the accomplishments of this class.”

Tracy Poon Tambascia is the Veronica and David Hagen Chair in Women’s Leadership and Professor of Clinical Education in the USC Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. Tambascia is also chair of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), former president of the USC Academic Senate and has served on the board of directors for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

Prior to this faculty role, Tambascia worked in student affairs administration. She was vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and dean of students at Whittier College. She has also led student affairs departments at Mount St. Mary’s College and Occidental College. Tambascia has supervised offices such as residential life, counseling services, student life, disability services, financial aid, admissions, career development, registrar and financial aid. She also wrote and managed grants, including several from the James Irvine Foundation and Title V.

Tambascia’s areas of interest include international higher education, higher education policy, student affairs, student access and success in higher education. At USC Rossier, she teaches courses in the doctoral programs and chairs dissertations.

"It is a privilege to be part of this esteemed group of education leaders. The fellowship presents a great opportunity to learn from colleagues and experienced mentors in the field of higher education. I am honored to be a part of this distinguished class of 2024–2025 ACE Fellows,” said Tambascia.

The ACE Fellows program incorporates its signature features such as retreats, interactive and virtual learning opportunities, visits to campuses and other higher education-related organizations, and placement at another higher education institution. All these experiences are condensed into a single year, providing the fellows with years of on-the-job experience and skills development.

During the placement, fellows observe and work with senior officers at their host institutions, attend decision-making meetings and focus on issues of interest that will benefit their host and nominating institutions. The year ahead will offer many opportunities for ACE Fellows to view leadership in action. Placement institutions will benefit from having an experienced leader who can lend a fresh perspective to emerging or ongoing institutional challenges.

At the conclusion of the fellowship year, fellows return to their home institutions with new knowledge and skills along with a network of peers across the country and abroad.

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