College presidents making a difference

I’ve heard that some presidents of colleges truly make a big difference in their institutions. So, who are some of the most famous or notable college presidents and what major changes or contributions did they make to their respective schools?

Numerous university presidents have made significant contributions to their institutions through transformative leadership. Here are just a few examples:

1. Drew Gilpin Faust: She was the 28th president of Harvard University from 2007 to 2018. Faust was Harvard's first woman president and she focused on fostering a collaborative, inclusive community. She expanded financial aid policies to improve access for students from low-income families, eliminating tuition for families earning under $60,000 annually.

2. John Sexton: As the 15th president of New York University from 2002 to 2015, Sexton guided NYU in its transformation into a global university. He established campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, embracing a groundbreaking initiative on worldwide higher education.

3. Lee C. Bollinger: Since taking over as president of Columbia University in 2002, Bollinger has reached several milestones, including launching the Manhattanville campus expansion to provide a modern, interactive space for scientific research. His strong commitment to the First Amendment has also led to valuable discussions and seminars. He stepped down in 2023.

4. Christina Paxson: Having served as Brown University's president since 2012, Paxson has implemented initiatives to ensure an open curriculum, and promote diversity, and equity. She unveiled the "BrownTogether" campaign to raise $3 billion for boosting research and financial aid initiatives.

These are just a few of the many college presidents making a significant impact in higher education. Each leader's contributions reflect their commitment to fostering innovation, access, and inclusivity in their respective institutions.