Cal State Monterey Bay honored with Transformation Award

By Melissa Anderson

The American Council on Education (ACE) announced that Cal State Monterey Bay is the recipient of the 2026 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation for an institution with a student population of up to 12,000.

Established in 2014, the award honors institutions that have addressed pressing obstacles through innovative and creative approaches, achieving significant institutional change over a relatively short time period, with only two institutions selected each year. Cal State Monterey Bay and the other 2026 recipient, Washington State University, each received a $10,000 prize at the ACE Annual Meeting Feb. 26 in Washington, DC. The Cal State Monterey Bay award will be used for transformational projects to continue the university’s momentous change.

Cal State Monterey Bay was recognized because the university’s transformation strengthened operations, reinforced financial stability, elevated student success and clarified institutional direction. The work included reversing declining enrollment, increasing graduation rates while eliminating equity gaps and developing new degree programs that align with industry and regional needs. The work required difficult decisions, sustained focus and a shared commitment to excellence.

“Our momentum has been guided by strategic planning and bold initiatives that expand social mobility for our students, but real progress has been powered by our people,” said Cal State Monterey Bay President Vanya Quiñones. “The strength of us – students, faculty, staff, and partners working together with a shared purpose – is what has made the difference. Lasting change cannot be imposed from the top down. It is built within every division, every department, and every individual who believes in our mission and chooses to move it forward."

The award honors colleges and universities that, during a period of significant change in higher education, responded to challenges with innovation, discipline and measurable progress.

“Each year, this award celebrates institutions that confront real challenges with creativity, discipline and a deep commitment to student success,” said ACE President Ted Mitchell. “Washington State University’s research-informed, human-centered approach has strengthened student resilience and retention across a complex, multi-campus system, while Cal State Monterey Bay’s decisive leadership and equity-driven reforms delivered meaningful gains in completion and social mobility. These institutions demonstrate how intentional strategy and sustained focus can translate into lasting impact for students.”

The concerted efforts across the last few years at Cal State Monterey Bay have required strategic alignment between divisions and departments across the university, and required the work of all members of the Otter Raft as well as community partners.

“This award from the American Council on Education recognizes the bold and collaborative work underway at Cal State Monterey Bay to advance student success and reimagine what a public university can be,” said Cal State Monterey Bay Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Andrew Lawson. “I am deeply grateful to our college deans, chairs, faculty and staff for their leadership, partnership and unwavering commitment to innovation. Together, we are transforming our institution in ways that expand opportunity for our students and strengthen our region.”