UMass Amherst Dean Mari Castañeda Leads ACE Women’s Network in Massachusetts
Mari Castañeda, dean of Commonwealth Honors College at UMass Amherst, has been appointed chair of the Executive Board of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network in Massachusetts. The declaration marks a significant leadership role for Castañeda within the association dedicated to supporting and advancing women in higher education.
“Being asked to serve in this role is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I’m truly honored that my fellow board members have placed their trust in me as the new chair,” Castañeda stated.
Castañeda joined the ACE Women’s Network in Massachusetts board in 2023 and will now led the network’s initiatives, including hosting a networking reception at the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) conference in December. She will also collaborate with presidential mentor Nancy Niemi, president of Framingham State University.
“I am thrilled to be in community with President Niemi and my fellow board members, which I know will broaden our network’s conversations about women leaders in higher education and also inform my own trajectory as dean of Commonwealth Honors College,” Castañeda explained.
UMass Amherst is an institutional sponsor of the ACE Women’s Network in Massachusetts, which is part of a national network of state-level organizations. Further information about the network is available at https://massacenetworkdotorg.wordpress.com.
