LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education to Host Two-Day Institute in Seattle

Essential to creating a more inclusive, safe environment for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff are building representation at the highest level of senior leadership in higher education. Today, there are approximately 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States, yet fewer than 75 gay/lesbian presidents.

So how do we remove barriers in the pathways to the presidency and leadership for LGBTQ leaders?

This question will be the subject of a two-day Institute this June in Seattle, drawing educators from around the country. The Institute, an annual event hosted by LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education, is the premier gathering space for thought leaders on the landscape of LGBTQ issues in higher education. It is designed for participants throughout higher education, including academic affairs, student affairs, finance and development. Faculty, staff and students are all welcome.

The 2017 Institute will be hosted by Ana Mari Cauce, president of the University of Washington; Isiaah Crawford, president of the University of Puget Sound (WA); Mac Powell, president of Bastyr University (WA); and Timothy Stokes, president of South Puget Sound Community College (WA).

The conference will include opportunities for mentorship, with keynotes from Gregg Goldman, past president of NACUBO, and Seattle Storm President Alisha Valavanis. There will be breakout sessions and discussion groups on topics ranging from leadership development to campus climate issues, as well as a women’s panel discussion with current and former presidents.

Since 2010, the mission of LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education has been to advance effective leadership in the realm of postsecondary education, support professional development for LGBTQ leaders, and provide education and advocacy regarding LGBTQ issues within the global academy and for the public at large.

For information or to register for the Institute, see http://lgbtqpresidentinst17.org/. For more information about LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education, visit http://www.lgbtqpresidents.org/.