Photo of  Devorah Lieberman

Devorah Lieberman

Devorah Lieberman is a senior advisor with the President’s Office at the American Council on Education and president emerita of the University of La Verne.

Posts by Devorah Lieberman

Making Authentic Optimism the New Normal

Devorah Lieberman challenges higher education leaders to embrace “authentic optimism” in 2024, a leadership style that pairs hope with a realistic understanding of institutional struggles.

October 1, 2024

Strategic Presidential Leadership and Wrap-Around Student Services

Presidents who set a clear vision for a thriving community where every student feels they belong will set in motion an ecosystem where faculty and staff assume shared responsibility for student success, from recruitment through graduation, writes Devorah Lieberman.

April 19, 2024
Participants at ACE"s 2024 Women's Conference sitting in the audience of a presentation, with one woman in glasses and a red scarf standing up to ask a question.

Beyond March: Supporting Women on the Path to the College Presidency

Amidst the flurry of acknowledgments and celebrations we see every March during Women’s History Month, Devorah Lieberman writes that there’s a deeper conversation to be had about how we support women on their professional journeys in higher education.

April 3, 2024

Cultivating a Culture of Civility and Meaningful Dialogue on Campus During Elections

Drawing on her experience as president of the University of La Verne during active political campaigns, Devorah Lieberman offers strategies to equip students with essential skills that help foster civil discourse and build a thriving campus community.

March 19, 2024

Beyond Crisis Management: How Presidents Can Create a Campus Where Everyone Belongs

Despite the media narrative of division and unrest, many colleges across the country are focused on building thriving communities where everyone belongs. Devorah Lieberman explores how presidents can create that environment by providing access to essential needs and empowering students to succeed.

February 11, 2024

The College President’s Role During Times of Crisis

As 2023 draws to a close, Devorah Lieberman, the former president of the University of La Verne, offers a roadmap for college and university presidents on how to support students, ensure campus safety, and foster a climate of tolerance during national and global crises.

November 28, 2023

Redefining Prestige

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has laid out plans to hold higher education more accountable for student success. Devorah Lieberman, president of the University of La Verne, writes that we owe it to our students—and ourselves—to embrace his vision.

November 21, 2022