Saner is one of 31 Fellows selected nationwide for this year’s cohort. Since 1965, the ACE Fellows Program has been the nation’s premier leadership development experience in higher education, preparing emerging leaders for senior roles across colleges and universities. More than 2,500 leaders have participated in the program, with many alumni going on to serve as presidents, provosts, deans, and senior executives.
The fellowship combines retreats, campus visits, interactive learning opportunities, and a placement at another higher education institution. During that placement, Fellows work closely with presidents and other senior leaders, attend cabinet- and board-level meetings, and engage in mission-critical projects that shape institutional direction.
“At a time of significant change across higher education, strong leadership has never been more important,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell in the organization’s announcement of the 2026-27 class. “As a result of the program, Fellows will be well positioned to navigate this evolving landscape, bringing fresh perspectives, practical experience, and a commitment to shaping the future of higher education.”
At Catawba College, Saner has served in a number of academic and institutional leadership roles, including interim provost, chair of the Faculty Senate, co-chair of the Equity, Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion Taskforce, and faculty adviser for student organizations. She also brings professional experience from the pharmaceutical industry and has contributed leadership beyond the College through board service with the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers and Salisbury Academy.
“Dr. Saner is an exceptional teacher, a tireless advocate for faculty, and a dedicated champion for student success,” said Dr. Monica Cowart, executive vice president and provost at Catawba College. “Her selection as an ACE Fellow reflects her deep commitment to higher education and her passion for creating engaging learning environments where all students are empowered to thrive." Cowart, who participated in the ACE Fellows Program as a member of the 2017-18 cohort, said the experience provides meaningful preparation for senior leadership in higher education.
“Dr. Saner’s selection as an ACE Fellow is a fitting recognition of the seriousness she has brought to her work and the care with which she has served this College and its students,” said Catawba College President David P. Nelson. “It is also a significant moment for Catawba to have its first ACE Fellow come from the faculty. That distinction is an honor for ChaMarra and for the College as well.”
Saner said the fellowship represents an important opportunity for continued growth in service to students and the College.
“This fellowship means a great deal to me because it reflects the values I've tried to center in every leadership role I've held, listening to people, building bridges across differences, and always keeping students at the heart of our work,” said Saner. “As higher education faces rapid shifts in enrollment, technology, workforce expectations, and public confidence, our institutions need leaders who can adapt with purpose and clarity. The ACE Fellows Program will challenge me to grow as a strategic leader and deepen my ability to drive the kind of student-centered change that helps institutions not just respond to a changing landscape but thrive within it. I'm grateful for the mentors and colleagues who believe in my potential, and I'm honored and ready for the work ahead.”
Saner joined the Catawba faculty in 2014 and served as interim provost beginning June 1, 2023, until the appointment of Cowart as executive vice president and provost. She holds a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Louisiana State University, an M.S. in organic chemistry from North Carolina A&T State University, and a B.S. in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
About ACE
ACE is a membership organization that leads higher education with a united vision for the future, galvanizing our members to make change and collaborating across the sector to design solutions for today’s challenges, serve the needs of a diverse student population, and shape effective public policy. As the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of about 1,600 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
