UNCW to Host ACE Fellow Chris DePerno

Chris DePerno, a professor at NC State University’s College of Natural Resources, will spend the fall semester at UNCW as a 2024-25 American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow.

The ACE Fellows Program is designed to strengthen institutional and leadership capacity in American higher education by identifying and preparing faculty and staff for senior positions in college and university administration.

“This opportunity represents an important moment in my professional journey, allowing me to engage with distinguished scholars and leaders while gaining valuable knowledge to problem-solve and innovate in higher education,” said DePerno. “I am excited to immerse myself in the UNCW community and hope to learn about the inspiring educational initiatives and strategies that define this university. I am grateful for the opportunity to observe and contribute to the advancement of educational excellence at UNCW and to help enhance the experiences of students, staff, faculty and administrators.”

The program combines retreats, interactive learning opportunities, campus visits and placement at another higher education institution to condense years of on-the-job experience and skills development into a single academic year. The fellows are included in the highest level of decision making while participating in administrative activities at their host institutions. Time is also spent investigating a specified issue of benefit to their nominating institutions for implementation upon the conclusion of the Fellowship placement.

UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety will serve as DePerno’s mentor during the fellowship. Volety said serving as a mentor to an ACE fellow is an honor and a privilege.

“Being a mentor is not just about guiding future leaders in higher education; it’s about learning from them and growing together,” he added. “The exchange of ideas and perspectives enriches our institutions.”

DePerno, who serves as the fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology coordinator and liaison at NC State, was previously awarded two Provost’s Faculty Fellowships at NC State, where he explored the development of a data system for university-wide engagement and worked with faculty credentialing and program evaluation. Also, DePerno serves as the associate chair of the Faculty Senate at NC State, an NC Faculty Assembly delegate, and serves on several committees, including Academic Policy, Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, SACSCOC Reaffirmation of Accreditation, Council on Athletics and the University Council on Undergraduate Education. He also co-leads the NC Feral Swine Task Force and has collaborated with government agencies and nonprofits to advance teaching, research and outreach related to complex environmental challenges.