The Michigan ACE Women’s Network Senior-Level Leadership Job Shadow Program began its eleventh year with an orientation for mentors and mentees on September 11, 2026. This formal mentorship program provides mid-level women leaders who aspire to a senior-level positions the opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge and skills with the guidance of a senior staff leader who serves as their mentor. The virtual orientation was held to introduce the mentors and mentees and review the program purpose, structure, and expectations. Participants indicated they are enthusiastic about the opportunity to gain impactful mentorship for the upcoming year.
The Shadow Program boasts an impressive history of 48 University presidents or senior leaders who have served as hosts from 30 different institutions, including community colleges and public and private institutions. The 57 mentees have hailed from 26 different Michigan institutions and have served in a variety of mid-level positions.
The 2026-27 mentors include Dr. Nerita Hughes, President, Bay De Noc Community College; Dr. Sheila Jones, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Grand Rapids Community College; Dr. Kara Van Dam, Vice President and Chief Executive of GVSU OMNI, Grand Valley State University; Dr. Danyelle Gregory, Vice President for Institutional Culture and Campus Experience, Western Michigan University; Dr. Annette Horton, Chief of Staff, Baker College; and Dr. Keambra Pierson, Chief Academic Operations Officer, Schoolcraft College.
Mentees for the 2026-27 cohort include Donyale Padgett, Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence/Associate Professor of Communication, Wayne State University; Airielle Taylor, Faculty/Faculty Representative, Schoolcraft College; Joylyn Stover, Assistant Professor, The University of Olivet; Danielle Beckford, Program Specialist, Wayne State University; Sonja Howell, Instructional Designer and Developer and MI ACE IR, Jackson College; Megan Biller, Director of Institutional Research and Testing, Ferris State University.
A 2023 phenomenological study conducted by Malia Roberts, Ph.D., underscored the importance of formal mentorships as an important strategy for preparing and equipping future women leaders in higher education. The study revealed the significance of creating spaces that allowed aspiring women leaders to be more intentional and introspective about their personal and professional development. It also demonstrated how the mentees experienced a broadened view of leadership and gained a greater purpose as a result of being in the Shadow Program.
Established in 1978, the Michigan ACE Women’s Network is an award-winning state chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE). MI ACE works with the ACE to meet IDEALS– identifying, developing, encouraging, advancing, and supporting women in higher education. Learn more at gvsu.edu/miace or contact MI ACE at https://miacenetwork.org.