President

National Louis University (NLU) seeks a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader as its next President. Founded in 1886 with a mission of educational access, equity, and innovation, NLU provides its students with an excellent and cost-effective education, offering flexible programs responsive to workforce needs at a modest price. Over the past decade, NLU has expertly connected mission and strategy to witness an impressive rise in student enrollment, the growth of its programs in Chicagoland and beyond, and exemplary financial management and positioning.

Boasting a nearly 140-year history as one of the nation’s most innovative institutions of higher education, NLU is positioned to continue its mission as an agent of social mobility and to cement its status as the model for a contemporary, accessible, and high-quality comprehensive university. The next president will take this mission seriously, building on the institution’s culture of access, innovation, and agility to evolve institutional strategies that seize opportunities in service of its students and the university’s continued success.

National Louis University’s next leader assumes the presidency at a moment of urgency in higher education as universities across the country grapple with enrollment declines and families face rising educational costs, conditions which threaten to increase educational and socioeconomic gaps. NLU plays a critical role in the higher education marketplace with its accessible offerings, and this formula has proven highly successful for the institution. In service of this mission, the next president will lead the university in addressing priorities including: articulating an innovative vision for NLU’s next chapter that builds on its strengths; astutely managing the institution’s operations and expansion of its resource base for continued financial strength; broadcasting the University’s accomplishments to increase its external recognition; strengthening student success initiatives; and supporting faculty and staff success. The president will work collaboratively with the Board, leadership team, faculty, staff, community partners, and other stakeholders to focus the University’s efforts and resources to continue educating the next generation of leaders for education, business, health, and broader society.

The successful candidate will be a strategic, innovative, and results-oriented leader with a track record of setting clear goals, inspiring people, managing effectively, and generating revenue. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of a deep appreciation for teaching, learning, and the value of higher education.

Inquiries, nominations, and applications, which will remain confidential, should be directed electronically below. 

Greg Esposito and Jeff Kessner are leading this search with Diana Carmona and Victoria Castillo.