The American Council on Education (ACE) announced that M. Francyne Huckaby, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, has been named an ACE Fellow for academic year 2025-26, among a cohort of 25 Fellows from institutions across the U.S. Huckaby was nominated by TCU senior administration.
The ACE Fellows Program prepares select faculty, staff and administrators for senior leadership positions through a cohort-based mentorship model. More than 80 percent of Fellows have gone on to serve as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions, and deans of colleges and universities. Click here for a full list of the 2025-26 ACE Fellows cohort.
“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.
“I applaud Dr. Huckaby’s selection for this impressive program. I know she will bring distinction to TCU as she participates alongside other university leaders, and she will bring back what she learns to make TCU an even greater place for faculty, staff and students,” said Floyd L. Wormley Jr., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
The ACE Fellows program integrates leadership training with policy analysis and strategic planning skills development through 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.
As associate provost for faculty affairs at TCU, Dr. Huckaby supports the recruitment, hiring, mentoring, development, promotion and tenure of TCU faculty, to support a flourishing environment for teacher-scholars. Her role requires a collaborative leader who knows TCU’s policies and procedures and understands faculty concerns, needs and career trajectories. She oversees the Koehler Center for Instruction, Innovation and Engagement and the Academic Chairs and Directors Council. She previously served as interim dean, associate dean and professor of curriculum studies. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration.
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, our strength lies in our 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 www.acenet.edu.