March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating by recognizing trailblazing women who serve as presidents of universities around the U.S. Their impactful accomplishments in higher education have served as major catalysts for positive change within the academic world in terms of inclusivity, scientific research, university enrollment, and innovation. While there are many other current and former women university presidents, we hope this blog inspires you to learn more about the incredible contributions that women have made in education.
CHRISTINA PAXSON – President of Brown University
2012–Present
Christina Paxson, an American economist and public health expert, serves as the 19th president of Brown University. Prior to her work at Brown University, Paxson was the Hughes Rogers Professor of Economics & Public Affairs at Princeton University as well as the Dean of Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. During Paxson’s Brown presidency, she has established and spearheaded the growth of institutes that connect top researchers and scholars to face a variety of topics including neuroscience, environmental and climate studies, economics, international and public policy, humanistic studies, and translating science and technology to find treatments and cures for disease.
REBECCA CHOPP – Chancellor of University of Denver
2014–present
Rebecca Chopp serves as the 18th chancellor of the University of Denver and the first female chancellor in the institution’s history. Chopp is an academic administrator and professor and the previous president of Swarthmore College and Colgate University. Her work at the University of Denver includes a community-wide effort called Imagine DU. Chopp has consulted with thousands of community members to transform student experiences outside the classroom to form a greater community. Chopp values community between students, faculty, alumni, and neighbors by focusing on inclusivity at the campus so that community members from all backgrounds can thrive.
NEELI BENDAPUDI – President-Elect of Pennsylvania State University
2021 president-elect
Neeli Bendapudi is the president-elect of Pennsylvania State University, beginning her appointment in spring 2022. She is a leader in academic administration and business. Previously, she served as the 18th president of the University of Louisville, where, under her leadership, the university recruited its largest and most diverse freshman class, reached record enrollment levels, improved four-year graduation rates, and increased annual sponsored research by nearly 80%. Bendapudi is committed to advancing student success & the student experience, diversity & inclusion, and access & affordability. In her new appointment, Bendapudi will make history as the first woman and person of color to serve as president of Penn State.
DENISE TRAUTH – President of Texas State University
2022–present
Denise Trauth is the ninth president of Texas State University. Prior to serving as Texas State’s president, Trauth was the vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During her time as president, the university was designated a Texas Emerging Research University, has been reclassified as an “R2: Doctoral University – Higher Research Activity,” became a federal Hispanic-Serving Institution, and has experienced its largest construction program since its founding in 1899. Trauth was awarded the 2021 Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership to Texas State University through integrity, compassion, resiliency, and innovation by The Texas State Alumni Association.
These four powerful faces are just a fraction of the many women leaders and change-makers that have impacted higher education over the years. Their inspiring contributions continue to make education a more inclusive and uplifting experience, and their stories are undeniably bound to empower future women leaders.
