ASU President Michael M. Crow accepted an inaugural award presented by the American Council on Education (ACE) on March 9 during its 96th Annual Meeting in San Diego, Calif. According to ACE, the nation’s largest higher education organization, the new award recognizes a college or university that raised, rallied or repurposed resources to achieve dramatic and successful changes that allowed it to more fully fulfill its mission over a relatively brief period of time.

Crow has become nationally known for his commitment to innovation and for reinventing the research university model to emphasize access and excellence. Faculty members are encouraged to pursue use-inspired research, and the university has worked to improve the environment through its creation of the Global Institute of Sustainability and School of Sustainability. Joan Wodiska, ACE vice president and chief leadership officer, said, “This award shines a bright light on the successes in America’s higher education system, the need for ongoing dynamic changes on college campuses and the next generation of great ideas for our nation and students.”