Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook has been elected to the board of directors of the American Council on Education, the parent organization for higher education in the United States.
ACE represents more than 1,800 public and private two-year and four-year institutions.
It was formed in 1917 to help bring colleges and universities together for the World War I effort.
Sheldon Steinbach, vice president and general counsel for ACE, said the council’s principle function is to go before Congress, federal agencies, federal courts and the Supreme Court to represent higher education.
ACE announced the election results at its 85th annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 17. Holbrook’s two-year term is effective immediately.
“We are extraordinarily pleased at her acceptance,” Steinbach said. “She’s a very dynamic individual who has a very broad view of the intricacies of American higher education in the 21st century.”
The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the management of ACE and setting the basic policy direction for the organization.
“She brings a broad background that is extremely helpful in dealing with some of the current issues that the committee is facing,” Steinbach said. “She also just brings a wealth of experience and energy to the board.”
Martha Garland, vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies at OSU, said Holbrook’s election to the board reflects well on OSU.
“It says we’re one of the important universities. It gives us national visibility,” Garland said. “OSU plays a major role in several national organizations. We’re a very significant player in higher education in the United States.”
Garland said although the election reflects well upon the university, it reflects much more on Holbrook as an individual.
“President Holbrook is a terrific representative for our university,” Garland said. “It is a confirmation of her ability and the respect people have for her.”
Steinbach said everybody in the organization is delighted because of the interests Holbrook holds.
“Foremost is her interest in civility in and around athletic competitions,” Steinbach said. “Her willingness to step up and tackle difficult issues for colleges and universities is remarkable.”
Garland said it is extremely helpful for OSU that its president serves on the board.
“ACE is one of the premier organizations of higher education in the country. It is completely appropriate for us to be involved in leadership for the ACE,” Garland said. “Our leader is visible among other leaders, and that gives us the opportunity to collaborate with other institutions on projects.”
Richard Stoddard, director of Federal Relations for OSU, said it is important to have someone at the table where higher education policy and advocacy is set.
“It is especially important right now because the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act is taking place,” Stoddard said. “The reauthorization takes place every five years, so the timing is particularly important.”
The Higher Education Act includes a series of provisions that affect student loans, international education, teacher training and other issues important to higher education.
“It is recognition of her leadership status,” Stoddard said. “It is also good for OSU because it is important that our views be heard. OSU is a place where these type of issues come into play.”
Also serving on the board as vicechairman is William “Brit” Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland and former president of Ohio State.
