Faculty continue leadership development through ACC Academic Leaders Network

Wake Forest continues its investment in faculty leadership development through participation in the Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Leaders Network (ACC ALN), a selective, year-long fellowship that brings together faculty and academic administrators from across ACC institutions. Designed to strengthen leadership capacity and foster cross-institutional collaboration, the program equips participants to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education while building lasting professional networks.

Since joining the ACC ALN in 2018, Wake Forest has prioritized the program as a key component of its efforts to cultivate academic leadership, support succession planning, and expand opportunities for collaboration across peer institutions. Anchored by three in-person residencies at ACC institutions and ongoing engagement throughout the year, the fellowship immerses participants in leadership development across areas such as self-awareness and communication, leading diverse teams, and navigating complex challenges facing higher education. It also offers rare opportunities for candid dialogue with senior university leaders, peer-to-peer problem solving, and the development of cross-institutional communities of practice.

“The most valuable part of the ACC ALN experience,” said Keith Robinson, Associate Dean for Research at the School of Law and member of Wake Forest’s 2025 cohort, “was the opportunity to meet and connect with colleagues from across the conference, compare notes, and come away with new ideas to bring back to my own institution.”

Stacie Petter, Acting Dean of the School of Business and member of the 2025 cohort, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the program’s value both within and beyond Wake Forest.

“The ACC ALN offered a tremendous opportunity to learn from leaders and peers across ACC schools as well as connect more deeply with colleagues across Wake Forest University,” said Petter. “I took away specific insights from each meeting that I have been able to put into practice.”

Congratulations to the following faculty and academic leaders selected for the 2026 ACC ALN cohort:

• Michele Birch, Associate Professor, Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine
• Sandy Rodriguez, Associate Dean, ZSR Library
• Pelin Pekgun, Department Chair for Analytics, Information Systems, Marketing, & Operations Management, School of Business
• Michael Ramirez, Sociology Department Chair and Associate Professor, College of Arts & Sciences
• Kathryn Mayers, Chair of Chairs, Spanish Department Chair & Associate Professor, College of Arts & Sciences

The 2026 cohort has already begun its leadership journey. Participants attended their first residency March 23–25 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and will continue the program with sessions at the University of Notre Dame in June and the University of Pittsburgh in October.

Wake Forest academic leaders interested in joining a future cohort of the ACC ALN are encouraged to reach out to their dean or Associate Provost Anne Hardcastle for more information.