LINCOLN – University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter has been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education, the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities.
Carter was one of about a dozen higher education leaders elected to the ACE board on Friday. His term will run through September 2026.
“I’m honored to join this distinguished group of friends and colleagues from across the country in advocating for affordable, quality, competitive higher education that transforms the lives of individuals and society at large,” Carter said. “Not only is this a chance to connect with some of the nation’s leading voices in higher education, but anytime we get to share Nebraska’s story on a national stage, it’s good for our state.
“This is both an exciting and challenging time for higher education. People are noticing what we’re doing here in Nebraska to think differently about how to meet the needs of students, our state and the workforce. I’m pleased to be part of this national conversation.”
With more than 1,700 members, ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions: two- and four-year, public and private. ACE members educate 2 out of every 3 students in all accredited, degree-granting U.S. institutions.
ACE convenes and leads advocacy efforts that shape public policy and help colleges and universities support their students, communities and the public good. The group’s priorities include increasing innovation in higher education, expanding access and success for students, and strengthening the higher education leadership pipeline.
As NU president since January 2020, Carter oversees a four-campus system that enrolls nearly 50,000 students. He has launched a system-wide strategic plan that focuses on student access and outcomes, workforce development, strong partnerships with the public and private sectors, and excellence in areas important to Nebraska and the world including water and agriculture, rural development, national security, and cancer and public health.
Carter came to Nebraska from his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was the longest continuously-serving superintendent since the Civil War. Previously, he was president of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
Carter is a retired vice admiral and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient with 38 years of service, including 6,300 flying hours while operating from 19 different aircraft carriers and combat missions around the world. He is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun).
