About Us
Mission Statement
LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education advances effective leadership in the realm of post-secondary education, supports professional development of LGBTQ leaders in that sector, and provides education and advocacy regarding LGBTQ issues within the global academy and for the public at large.
Our History
Higher education has long been richly blessed with LGBTQ+ folk, both in and out of the closet – faculty, staff, and administrators. Among them have been closeted college and university presidents, whose personal lives have not been public. The Chronicle of Higher Education first noted three gay presidents, in August 2007. For a personal reminiscence of the history of LGBTQ presidents in higher education, by co-founder Chuck Middleton, click here.
In 2023, LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education became LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education, to recognize and support out leadership at all levels of the American higher education system. The Board developed a three-year strategic plan that covers the years 2025 to 2027. It was passed by the membership in October 2024. See the strategic plan here.
Joe Bertolino, President
President, Stockton University
Bryan Cain
President, Endicott College
Lori Ciccomascolo
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Springfield College
Kristin Esterberg, Past-President
Chancellor, University of Washington, Bothell
Michelle Fischthal
Vice Chancellor, Institutional Innovation & Effectiveness, San Diego Community College District
Richard Helldobler
President, William Paterson University
Susan Henking
Academic Leader & Scholar
Jonathan Herbert, Treasurer
Vice Provost for Admissions, The Julliard School
Merrill Irving, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer, MBK Solutions
George F. Kacenga
Vice President for Enrollment Management, William Paterson University
Nancy P. Kropf
Professor, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University
Kenro Kusumi
Senior Vice Provost, Dean of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Professor of Life Sciences, Arizona State University
Kevin Leonard
Dean, Arts & Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Luca Lewis
Interim President, Ventura College
Daniel López, Jr., Secretary
President, Harold Washington College
Jim Berg
Executive Director
Kirby Knipp
Program Coordinator
Kit Tobey
Executive Assistant
As of 1/12/26
Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Organization not to discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ethnic or national origin, language, or physical ability and health status and other categories of human diversity and difference in its selection of Board members, officers, employees or agents, grant recipients, or volunteers.
In this spirit of inclusiveness, the Organization also recognizes that some individuals who otherwise might be eligible for full membership are for professional and/or personal reasons unable from time to time to fulfill all of the requirements of membership. The members of the Organization welcome the participation of these individuals in annual meetings and at other functions sponsored by the Organization.