Dear Friends and Colleagues:
We know women earn the majority of post-secondary degrees in the United States yet occupy just about a quarter of all college presidencies. They are also under-represented among senior administrators, with the gap even more pronounced for women of color.
This is something we must be concerned about not just for what it says about diversity and equal opportunity, but also for the deleterious impact it has on higher education as it faces growing and complex challenges that require all our best efforts.
The ACE Women’s Network, which is represented in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., is one of the most effective organizations I know in working to move women into college presidencies and other senior level positions. That is why I am so happy to continue in my role as Presidential Sponsor for the American Council on Education (ACE) Northern California Network for 2015-16.
Throughout my academic career, I have come to understand that mentoring, role models and networks of support are the most effective ways to make sure the doors to higher education leadership are open to all. At this year’s ACE Northern California Network Conference held at California State University, Sacramento, you’ll discover ways to collectively make a difference in diversifying higher education leadership.
Thank you for attending. I know this year’s conference will again be both informative and inspiring. I hope you can also become actively involved in the ACE Northern California Network as a board member or by joining the extended network through Northern California.
Your support of the ACE Northern California Network is making a difference; I commend each of you for the important work you’re doing on behalf of women in higher education.
Sincerely,
Linda P.B. Katehi
Chancellor
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