Clemson associate dean selected for Fellows program
Published: September 18, 2012
CLEMSON — E.R. "Randy" Collins, associate dean for undergraduate and international studies in Clemson University’s College of Engineering and Science, has been named to the American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program.
Established in 1965, the Fellows Program strengthens institutions and leadership in American higher education by identifying and preparing promising senior faculty and administrators for more responsible positions in university administration. Fellows are nominated by the presidents or chancellors of their institutions and selected in a national competition.
“This Fellowship provides a unique learning opportunity,” Collins said. “I am grateful for Clemson’s support in making it possible for me to participate. This experience will help me develop new ideas, approaches and practices that will eventually make the Clemson experience even more meaningful for our students.”
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 year. Fellows also conduct projects that contribute to their home institutions.
Collins will spend his placement in the provost's office at Virginia Tech, working with Mark McNamee, senior vice president and provost.
Collins is a professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering. He joined the department in 1989. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University and Georgia Tech, respectively. Collins has been a multiple winner of both the department’s and college's teaching awards. He has received other awards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), including a prize paper award in 2009.
His research has focused on power distribution systems, power electronics, electric machines and adjustable-speed motor drives. Collins is a registered professional engineer in South Carolina and a senior member of the IEEE.
As associate dean, Collins supervises all aspects of the college’s undergraduate programs, including recruiting, advising, curricula and accreditation. Additionally, he oversees the college’s international programs, including study abroad and other international relations.
The 2012-13 American Council on Education Fellows Class will bring to 1,799 the number of higher education leaders who have participated in the program since its inception. Of those, more than 300 have gone on to serve as chief executive officers of colleges and universities. More than 700 have served at the cabinet level and more than 1,100 have served as provosts, vice presidents or deans.
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American Council on Education
Founded in 1918, the American Council on Education (ACE) is the only higher education organization that represents presidents and chancellors of all types of U.S.-accredited, degree-granting institutions: community colleges and four-year institutions, private and public universities, and nonprofit and for-profit colleges. ACE represents the interests of more than 1,600 campus executives, as well as 200 leaders of higher education-related associations and organizations. Together, ACE member institutions serve 80 percent of today’s college students.