Association of American Colleges and Universities Selects New President
The Board of Directors of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has selected Lynn Pasquerella as the organization's newest president. AAC&U's 4th president, Pasquerella will take office July 1.
"Pasquerella began her own education as a student at Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson, CT," according to a news release from the organization. "A first-generation college student, she earned her bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College and her PhD in philosophy from Brown University. Serving as president of Mount Holyoke since 2010, Pasquerella has led a robust strategic planning process and extensive outreach to local and regional communities as well as the worldwide network of Mount Holyoke alumnae. She has focused on access for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to a powerful, engaged and public-spirited liberal education."
Pasquerella previously spent 23 years at the University of Rhode Island as a professor of philosophy and in various administrative roles, including department chair and dean of the graduate school. She also served as provost at the University of Hartford from 2008 to 2010.
"Throughout the search process, Dr. Pasquerella impressed the committee with her clear commitment to liberal education and inclusive excellence, which are the pillars of AAC&U's mission; her ability to articulate those principles; and her understanding of higher education in today's society," said Past Board Chair Kenneth P. Ruscio, president of Washington and Lee University and chair of the search committee, in a prepared statement.
"Lynn Pasquerella has long been a friend and colleague to me and an admired AAC&U president and leader," said current AAC&U President Carol Geary Schneider, in a news release. "I am completely delighted to welcome her as my successor. Her extensive experience in both public and private higher education, together with her life's journey from early studies in a community college to worldwide recognition as a public ethicist, show both the reach of AAC&U's mission and the power of our educational vision. I look forward to working with her on a smooth transition and a great launch for AAC&U's next era of creativity and educational leadership."
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Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].