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Claremont Graduate University’s 12th President

Len Jessup

Len Jessup, who has been selected as Claremont Graduate University’s 12th president, is an educator and administrator known as a consensus builder, with a deep interest in innovation and entrepreneurship.

He was most recently president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He previously served as the dean of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona, and as vice president of university development and president of the Washington State University Foundation.

Jessup is a professor and scholar of management information systems. His many publications include co-authoring the third edition of Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World and “On the Future of the MIS Discipline: MIS as a Critical Strategic Driver,” published in the journal Database. In addition to his academic achievements, he has received numerous awards, including the 2018 CEO Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII.

The first in his family to graduate from college, Jessup was born and raised in Northern California. He holds a doctorate in Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of Arizona, Tucson, with a minor in Management Information Systems. He also holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Studies, both from California State University, Chico.

Joining him in Claremont is his partner, Kristi Staab, a speaker, author, executive coach, and trainer in leadership development and cultural transformation.

“I’ve enjoyed many opportunities in my career, both as a professor and administrator, and I am honored and excited to join the CGU community. I am looking forward to working closely with everyone at CGU to move this excellent university to the next level in every way.”

News Story

Len Jessup Named New President of Claremont Graduate University

Message from Donald Baker and Tim Kirley

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are pleased to bring you exciting news regarding the search for our university’s next president.

Upon the unanimous recommendation of the Presidential Search Committee, our Board has appointed Len Jessup, a transformational leader, university chief executive, and professor, to become the next President of Claremont Graduate University.

President-elect Jessup, 56, now serves as the President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He will take office at CGU on July 1, 2018.

In recent weeks and months, the Search Committee has considered many outstanding candidates. What made this process run smoothly and effectively, and what made our decision unanimous, was the combination of Len’s outstanding record of achievements with a warm and intellectually open nature that will bolster the character and traditions that CGU has fostered ever since its founding in 1925.

Our university is poised at an important moment of change and possibility. As we look ahead to our centennial in just seven years, we are excited about what the future holds for our extraordinary community of scholars, students, and alumni. We are delighted to have Len Jessup lead us into that future.

Len has spearheaded many important initiatives as UNLV President, as Dean of the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, as Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Washington State University, and in many other roles as well.

Not only is Len a gifted administrator who was honored with the 2018 CEO Award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII, he is also a practicing scholar. He holds a doctorate in Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and he is the author of many journal articles and books examining the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving nature of information technology. His other degrees include an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Studies, both from California State University, Chico.

The dual nature of Len’s career, as both scholar and administrator, is very important to us. It demonstrates that he understands the issues and challenges facing higher education from both the academic and administrative sides. His background will be invaluable to CGU as we look ahead to celebrating 100 years as a founding member of The Claremont Colleges.

We are thrilled to welcome Len Jessup to our CGU family. In the months ahead, we invite you to join us for upcoming presidential receptions and related events so that everyone has an opportunity to meet Len.

Sincerely,

Donald Baker
Chair, CGU Presidential Search Committee

Tim Kirley
Chair, CGU Board of Trustees

For the Media

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Contact
Please send inquiries to nick.owchar@cgu.edu or gerard.babb@cgu.edu.