Announcing Dr. S. Georgia Nugent as President in Residence with the American Academic Leadership Institute

Dr. S. Georgia Nugent joins the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) as the 2025–2026 President in Residence. A nationally respected leader and devoted advocate for the liberal arts, Dr. Nugent brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of leadership in higher education to this role.

Dr. Nugent’s Experience

Dr. Nugent most recently served as President of Illinois Wesleyan University, where she made history as the institution’s first female president. Her tenure was marked by inclusive leadership, institutional renewal, and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence.

Prior to that, she served as President of Kenyon College from 2003 to 2013. During her decade-long presidency, Dr. Nugent led a transformative capital campaign, enhanced student life and campus facilities, and strengthened academic programming. After leaving Kenyon, she worked with the Council of Independent Colleges, where she led national initiatives to support independent higher education and promote leadership development.

A scholar of classical studies, Dr. Nugent earned her bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and her doctorate from Cornell University. She has published extensively on Greek tragedy and epic poetry and has been a compelling national voice on the value of the liberal arts and ethical leadership in higher education. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in transparency, intellectual rigor, and the belief that education should prepare individuals for both personal fulfillment and public responsibility.

Although retired from formal presidential leadership, Dr. Nugent remains active in the field through mentorship, public speaking, and participation in initiatives that elevate creativity and thoughtful leadership in higher education.

The President in Residence Role

The AALI President in Residence program offers a unique opportunity for experienced university presidents to shape the next generation of higher education leaders in all four of AALI’s leadership development programs: the Executive Leadership Academy, Senior Leadership Academy, Becoming a Provost Academy, and Mastering the Presidential Search Process. This initiative enriches each program with seasoned expertise and visionary guidance, furthering AALI’s mission to prepare strong and ethical leaders for the future of higher education.

In this role, Dr. Nugent will mentor leaders in the 2025–2026 AALI program cohorts, contribute to program development, and lead seminars and workshops. She will also serve as a strategic advisor, offering her deep expertise and broad network to strengthen AALI’s national leadership programs. These programs are delivered in partnership with AALI’s programs, which are held in partnership with the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), with support from Academic Search.

This appointment reflects AALI and Academic Search’s shared commitment to advancing excellence in higher education leadership. To learn more about AALI and its programs, visit aali.org.