President José Luis Cruz Rivera has been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education (ACE)— the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. His three-year term will begin in September.
Cruz Rivera’s election reflects a national track record of visionary, equity-focused leadership—at NAU and across public higher education—to expand access, affordability and student success.
“ACE plays a vital role in ensuring that higher education remains both a catalyst for innovation and a pathway to opportunity,” Cruz Rivera said. “I’m honored to join the board at this critical time and help shape a future that delivers meaningful, inclusive learning experiences for all.”
“President Cruz Rivera brings a bold and inclusive vision to higher education, grounded in a deep commitment to student access, success, and equitable outcomes,” ACE President Ted Mitchell said. “His voice will be an asset to the ACE Board, and I’m grateful for his leadership at this pivotal juncture for higher education in the United States.”
Since joining NAU in 2021, President Cruz Rivera has led the development and implementation of the university’s Elevating Excellence strategic roadmap and 2030 goals. Under his leadership, NAU has launched impactful initiatives and achieved significant milestones, including:
- Admissions and financial aid strategies that are broadening opportunity for all Arizonans
- Record high retention and graduation rates
- Carnegie Research 1 (R1) status
- Statewide partnerships that advance economic mobility and social impact
- Record high philanthropic gifts
A nationally recognized advocate for accessible, affordable, high-quality education, Cruz Rivera has testified before the U.S. Congress and secured transformative funding from public and private foundations. His thought leadership has appeared in publications such as The Chronicle of Higher Education, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Washington Monthly and Univision.
Cruz Rivera’s distinguished career in public higher education includes leadership roles as president of Lehman College of the City University of New York (CUNY); executive vice chancellor and university provost of the CUNY system; provost at California State University, Fullerton; vice president for higher education policy and practice at The Education Trust; and chief student affairs officer for the University of Puerto Rico system.