The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities is pleased to announce its 2024–2026 board of directors, which is made up of presidents and chancellors of CUMU member institutions.
Board members are nominated and elected to two-year terms by peers from CUMU member institutions. Each has a demonstrated commitment to the CUMU mission of promoting and enhancing urban and metropolitan universities. Elections were held on October 22, 2024 during the CUMU presidents’ council meeting at the annual CUMU Conference.
“CUMU welcomes our newest board members who come from institutions that are leaders in how they engage with and anchor our communities,” says CUMU Board Chair Kristin Sobolik, chancellor, University of Missouri-St. Louis. “Educational relevancy and inclusive economic growth are central to CUMU’s mission and the strategic direction of higher education as we seek to be collaborative, relevant, and engaged community partners. I want to thank my fellow presidents and chancellors for their commitment to the CUMU mission and to helping change the world for better.”
New members-at-large, 2024–2026
Berenecea Johnson Eanes, president, California State University, Los Angeles
“For more than 30 years, CUMU has been the standard-bearer in providing guidance to the unique challenges that face our urban and metropolitan universities. That guidance has been invaluable to Cal State LA as an anchor institution for the strong, vital Los Angeles neighborhoods we serve.”
Georj Lewis, president, Clayton State University
“As an institution guided by the mission of social mobility, Clayton State University fosters educational equity, supports economic development, and addresses the variety of complex challenges experienced by the population of students that we serve. I am honored to preside over a dedicated team of faculty and staff who hold dearly the values of our shared mission with the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities. As a board member, I look forward to advancing intercollegiate collaboration among peers who center common interests of university-community engagement and promoting positive social mobility through education.”
Justin Lonon, chancellor, Dallas College
“I am deeply humbled to join the CUMU Board of Directors. This role represents a unique opportunity to further champion the urban mission that is so vital to the communities of North Texas. At Dallas College, we recognize the pivotal role we play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and preparing a strong workforce of the future. Through CUMU, we have a powerful platform to amplify this work by collaborating with like-minded institutions to reimagine the higher education model and break down the longstanding barriers that stand in the way of a brighter tomorrow.”
Kyle Farmbry, president, Guilford College
“As someone who believes deeply in the roles of urban colleges and universities, and the valuable contributions that they can make as anchor institutions, I am honored to serve on the board for the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities. I look forward to being of service to CUMU members and others who believe deeply in the importance of higher education institutions to local communities.”
Peter Slee, vice chancellor, Leeds Beckett University
“I am deeply honoured to be elected to the CUMU Board of Directors. CUMU is the world’s most influential advocate for the transformational impact of higher education in our towns and cities. Leeds Beckett University and the city of Leeds have been deeply influenced by examples of the work of so many CUMU members. I hope that by serving the board I can help support its mission by facilitating the sharing of good practice from both sides of the Atlantic.”
Members-at-large continuing their 2023–2025 terms
- Steven Angle, chancellor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Loren Blanchard, president, University of Houston-Downtown
- Sandra Haynes, chancellor, Washington State University, Tri-Cities
- Kenneth Jessell, president, Florida International University
- Ellen Neufeldt, president, California State University, San Marcos (vice chair and treasurer)
- Kristin Sobolik, chancellor, University of Missouri-St. Louis (board chair)
- Antonio Tillis, chancellor, Rutgers University–Camden
Re-elected members-at-large, 2024–2026
- Virginia (Ginny) Arthur, president, Metropolitan State University
- Joanne Li, chancellor, University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Deidra Peaslee, president, Saint Paul College
- Paul Pribbenow, president, Augsburg University (secretary)
CEO of administrative headquarters (ex officio)
- Mark R. Ginsberg, president, Towson University