Vice Provost Selected as American Council on Education Fellow

Valerie Paton, vice provost for planning and assessment at Texas Tech University, was nominated by Texas Tech President Guy Bailey and recently selected to be one of 57 college and university senior faculty and administrators to participate in the 2012-2013 class of the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows program.

The ACE Fellows Program is the longest running leadership development program in the U.S., focusing on identifying and preparing senior leadership for the nation’s colleges and universities.

“Valerie has been a valuable asset among our leadership and has accepted many additional responsibilities, in addition to her duties as vice provost,” Bailey said. “Her commitment to the university and selfless attitude make her a logical selection for this program, as other universities will benefit from her experiences.”

During the placement, Paton will conduct research focusing on the strategic and master planning in member institutions of the Association of American Universities. She will spend 16 cumulative weeks at another institution between June 2012 and June 2013, while maintaining a full-time role as vice provost for Texas Tech.

The program combines retreats, interactive learning opportunities, campus visits and placement at another institution of higher education to condense years of on-the-job experience and skills development into a single year.

The Fellows also engage in leadership and management activities to enhance their knowledge about the challenges and opportunities confronting higher education. Fellows observe and work with a university president and other senior officers at a host institution, attend decision-making meetings and focus on issues of concern.

Paton received her bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, master’s degree from Santa Clara University, and her Doctorate in Education at the University of Southern California.