Top 10 University Presidents - 2026

Wendell Godwin has more than fifteen years of experience in higher education leadership. Under his direction, East Central University (ECU) recently achieved a 9.3 percent enrollment growth rate, outpacing the other regional universities in Oklahoma.

Dr. Jeffrey Senese is an academic leader with extensive administrative experience across both U.S. and international institutions. At Caldwell University, he leads the institution toward excellence while remaining grounded in its foundational values.

Adela de la Torre became the ninth president of San Diego State University in 2018. She previously served six years as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at the University of California, Davis.

Neil MacKinnon, Ph.D., is the 16th President of Central Michigan University, championing student success through his deep expertise in health policy and academic leadership. He fosters a culture of excellence, high-impact research, and community-focused education, establishing CMU as a premier destination for transformative learning.

As President of Towson University, Dr. Mark R. Ginsberg champions academic excellence and community impact. He steers this premier institution in providing top-tier research and inclusive education. By fostering regional partnerships and career success, Dr. Ginsberg ensures the university remains a vital hub for innovation.

Marvin Krislov serves as President of Pace University. He leads a university focused on practical training in business, law, health sciences, technology, and the arts. Students build real skills through internships at leading companies and hands-on projects tied to New York City’s business hubs. Drawing from his years guiding Oberlin College and public service roles, he creates clear pathways to career success for driven learners from every background.

Dr. Bill Hardgrave is the 13th President of the University of Memphis. With more than 30 years of higher education leadership, he previously served as Auburn University provost and Harbert College of Business dean. A leading scholar in information systems, he founded the RFID Research Center and authored over 100 articles, bringing expert insight to research and academic strategy.

Amy Parsons is the President of Colorado State University. As a CSU alumna and longtime leader with legal and executive experience, she guides a public university in Fort Collins that offers nearly 300 academic programs and community extension services. Her operational focus builds stronger campuses, drives institutional initiatives, and opens practical paths for student and faculty success.

Asbury University is a private Christian institution dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth and leadership development through a faith-based educational experience. Offering undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse disciplines, the university emphasizes service, innovation and community engagement while preparing students for meaningful careers and impactful contributions in a global society.

St. Thomas University is a private Catholic university committed to academic excellence, ethical leadership and career-focused education for a diverse student community. Through undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, the university promotes innovation, service and personal development while preparing students to succeed in leadership roles across business, law, education and public service.