Associated Colleges of the Midwest

Over the past two days, Provosts and Associate Deans from across the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) gathered in Chicago for the Spring 2025 ACM Advisory Board of Deans Meeting. Together, they explored future ACM initiatives, shared successes from their campuses, discussed leading with resilience and adaptability, and engaged in thoughtful roundtable conversations on topics shaping the liberal arts landscape. This meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize three esteemed leaders: Michael Schneider (Provost and Dean of the College, Knox College), who currently chairs the ACM Advisory Board of Deans; Marci Sortor (Provost and Dean of the College, St. Olaf College); and Jerry Seaman (Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Grinnell College). As they will conclude their deanships at the end of the academic year, we are deeply grateful for their service, insight, and leadership within ACM. Thank you to all who participated in these vital conversations as part of the ACM community!?

Celebrating Research Excellence in the ACM! ?????? Congratulations to Carleton College, Colorado College, and Grinnell College on receiving the new Research College designation in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications! This recognition highlights institutions that invest an average of at least $2.5 million in research and development in a single year, reinforcing their commitment to inquiry, discovery, and academic excellence. As liberal arts colleges, Carleton, Colorado, and Grinnell demonstrate how undergraduate-focused institutions can drive meaningful research that shapes our world. Learn more about the Carnegie Classification, managed by the American Council on Education, here: https://lnkd.in/eRe4tMcH

Investing in the Future of Liberal Arts Leadership The Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) is thrilled to welcome the 2025-2027 cohort of ACM Academic Leadership Fellows! These ten exceptional faculty members from nine ACM colleges will embark on a two-year journey to deepen their leadership expertise, gaining firsthand experience in the complex work of campus administration. Through mentorship, immersive professional development, and hands-on leadership projects, these fellows will be equipped to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities in higher education. Their work will strengthen academic leadership on their campuses, enhancing the residential liberal arts experience and shaping opportunities for students to learn and grow. Collaboration fuels innovation, and this program is a powerful example of how ACM colleges are working together to develop the next generation of academic leaders. Congratulations to our newest fellows! Meet the 2025-2027 ACM Academic Leadership Fellows and learn more: https://lnkd.in/gfM-3xUu

This weekend, ACM hosted its final in-person retreat for the inaugural cohort of the ACM Academic Leadership Fellows at member campus Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. The weekend provided a chance for fellows to reflect on their experiences leading and supporting campus initiatives for the past two years and to think together about what it means to be an academic leader in the current context. ACM is grateful to two wonderful colleagues,?Hilton Kelly?and?Caroline Ketcham,?for lending their expertise in an interactive tabletop exercise about the skills of managing up and managing down.

?? Are you new to the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM)? Or just looking to learn more about what we do? Join us for "New to the ACM: An Orientation for Faculty and Staff at Member Colleges"—a webinar designed to introduce you to ACM’s mission, programs, and collaborative opportunities. ?? What You’ll Gain: ? An overview of ACM’s initiatives and how they support faculty and staff ? A chance to connect with colleagues across the ACM network ? Useful insights to enhance your work at your institution ?? Next Session: ?? February 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm CST ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gfpiqAnW Know a colleague who might be interested? Help spread the word by sharing this event with faculty and staff at ACM colleges! This is an excellent opportunity to engage with the ACM community and explore ways to get involved!

Coming Up Soon! ?? There’s still time to register for Supporting Disabled Students in Higher Education, a webinar exploring how colleges can better support disabled students while recognizing the multiple identities they hold. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about current trends, challenges, and promising campus practices. ?? Featuring: Ryan A. Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Higher Education and Bonnie E. Cone Early Career Professor in Teaching, University of North Carolina at Charlotte ?? Wednesday, February 12 ? 12:00 – 1:00 pm CT ?? Free & Virtual | Recording available after the event This webinar is part of Sustaining Belonging: Webinars on Cultivating Inclusive Residential Colleges, ACM's series of virtual professional development workshops that blend research with concrete strategies to prepare staff and faculty to support the multiple dimensions of student identity and experience. ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gNprakR4 Share with your campus colleagues, grab your lunch, and join the conversation!

It might not feel like it yet, but summer is closer than you think! ?? High school students looking to make the most of their summer can explore a variety of engaging programs offered by the members of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM). Whether you’re interested in athletics, music, science, or preparing for college, these programs provide a chance to learn, grow, and experience life on a college campus. ?? Explore available programs: https://lnkd.in/gKg27Keb Be sure to check back regularly for the latest details as opportunities are updated!

Supporting Disabled Students in Higher Education How can colleges better support disabled students while recognizing the multiple identities they hold? Join us for an insightful session as we explore current trends, challenges, and promising campus practices. ?? Featuring: Ryan A. Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Higher Education and Bonnie E. Cone Early Career Professor in Teaching, University of North Carolina at Charlotte ?? Wednesday, February 12 ? 12:00 – 1:00 pm CT ?? Free & Virtual | Recording available after the event This webinar is part of Sustaining Belonging: Webinars on Cultivating Inclusive Residential Colleges, ACM's series of virtual professional development workshops that blend research with concrete strategies to prepare staff and faculty to support the multiple dimensions of student identity and experience. ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gNprakR4 Share with your campus colleagues, grab your lunch, and join the conversation!

?? Two great opportunities to connect and learn with ACM this week! ?? Tuesday, January 28, 12:00–1:00 pm CST From the Water Tower to the Ivory Tower: Helping Rural Students Transition to a Liberal Arts College ??? Presenter: Dr. Ashley Stone, Southern Methodist University Gain practical strategies to support rural students' transition to and success at liberal arts colleges. Bring your lunch and join this engaging webinar in our Sustaining Belonging series! ?? Wednesday, January 29, 10:00 am CST New to the ACM: An Orientation for Faculty and Staff at Member Colleges Are you new to ACM or curious about its mission, programs, and opportunities? Connect with colleagues across the network in this informative session designed for both newcomers and long-time employees. ?? Learn more and register for these and other upcoming events: https://acm.edu/events/ Let’s connect, share, and grow as we foster inclusivity and collaboration across our campuses! Photo by Timmy Samuel

Join us for the next workshop in ACM's series, Sustaining Belonging: Webinars on Cultivating Inclusive Residential Colleges! ?? Upcoming Session: From the Water Tower to the Ivory Tower: Helping Rural Students Transition to a Liberal Arts College ??? Tuesday, January 28 ?? 12:00 – 1:00 pm CST ??? Presenter: Dr. Ashley Stone, Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director of the M.Ed. in Higher Education at Southern Methodist University This session explores the unique experiences of rural students and offers practical strategies for supporting their transition to and success in a liberal arts college environment. Why Attend? Gain insights into fostering inclusivity and belonging for rural students. Connect with colleagues across ACM institutions. Bring back actionable ideas to your campus. Participation is free, and sessions are recorded for later viewing. Feel free to enjoy lunch during this interactive midday session! ?? Learn more, register for the January and February workshops, and access previous recordings here: https://lnkd.in/gNprakR4 Let’s work together to create more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming campus communities for all students!