Larry Chavis selected as ACE Fellow

The American Council on Education (ACE) has selected Larry Chavis, a clinical associate professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, as an ACE Fellow. Chavis is one of 52 emerging college and university leaders for the 2021-22 class of the ACE Fellows Program, an academic leadership development program.

He is an economist who teaches and conducts research across a range of economic issues, and  integrates issues of mental health, race and inequality into his coursework and writing.

Chavis is also director of the UNC American Indian Center at UNC-Chapel Hill.

As an ACE Fellow, Chavis hopes to focus on issues related to minority faculty recruitment, retention and promotion. He plans to examine programs that support Native American students, and research how development funds can be used to create more inclusive universities.

“I am more excited about being accepted as an ACE fellow than any other acceptance in my career,” said Chavis. “Of all of the educational programs that I have been a part of, this offers the most significant impact on my career. The ACE Fellows program can help me make the most of my passion for education as a tool for social justice and a solution to economic inequality.”

Chavis received his PhD in economics from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, his MS in applied economics and management and MA in Asian studies from Cornell University, and his BA in anthropology from Duke University.

“ACE Fellows gain career-enriching experience in leadership, innovation and problem-solving,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “These are just the kind of skillsets that will be absolutely essential for moving higher education forward during difficult times.”

The program combines retreats, interactive learning opportunities, visits to campuses and other higher education-related organizations, and placement at another higher education institution to condense years of on-the-job experience and skills development into a single year. Fellows observe and work with the president and other senior officers at their host institutions, attend decision-making meetings and focus on issues of interest.