Jennifer Chrisler Appointed as Ninth President of Hampshire College, Aiming for Transformation in Education
On October 9, 2025, Hampshire College proudly declared the appointment of Jennifer Chrisler as its ninth president. Chrisler, an experienced higher education administrator with over three decades of diverse experience, comes from a background that includes working in both private and public education sectors, electoral politics, and national public policy advocacy. Her longstanding commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and track record in nonprofit leadership underscores her dedication to equity and inclusion in education.
Residing in western Massachusetts, Chrisler is not just a distinguished professional but also a proud Smith College alumna and a mother of three sons. She takes on the presidential role after having served as the interim president for three months, seamlessly transitioning into her new position while continuing the critical work already in progress.
In her inaugural statement, Chrisler expressed deep faith in the promise of Hampshire College, recognizing its unique approach to liberal arts education and commitment to change. "The College's creation required a radical rethinking of how to approach the liberal arts, and we've been pushing higher education forward ever since," Chrisler noted. She emphasized the importance of reinventing educational practices to meet the demands of the 21st century, stating, "Now is the time to supercharge our work to envision an education that prioritizes student agency, adaptability, and real-world impact."
Chrisler's vision for Hampshire includes a crucial focus on transformative growth, not only for the institution but also within the broader community. Ensuring operational health while fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability is paramount in her leadership strategy.
Jose Fuentes, the chair of Hampshire's board, voiced strong support for Chrisler, noting that her blend of vision and resilience positions her as an ideal leader for such an experimental institution. "Jennifer Chrisler's exemplary leadership has already proven essential for the College," Fuentes declared. "In her, we have a steady and savvy financial hand, as well as a strategist who can see the macro trends in higher education and forge an innovative future for Hampshire and the liberal arts."
Filmmaker Ken Burns, an alumnus of Hampshire and co-chair of the College's Change in the Making campaign, echoed the sentiments of the board chair, expressing confidence in Chrisler's ability to lead. Burns stated, "I can't think of a better person to take the reins at Hampshire College right now than Jennifer Chrisler. She has lived our recent past and knows the workings and the secret sauce of the College at every level."
Hampshire College is known for its distinctive curriculum that equips students with the essential tools to tackle complex challenges of the modern world. The College intentionally departs from traditional majors and departments, preparing students for a future characterized by rapid change. This approach encourages graduates to not only develop advanced skills but also engage in continuous innovation.
As Hampshire College embarks on this new chapter under Jennifer Chrisler's leadership, the community anticipates an exciting era of educational initiatives focused on progressive values and academic excellence. With her passion for teaching, advocacy for diversity, and commitment to educational reformation, Chrisler aims to strengthen the College's long-standing legacy of fostering critical thinkers and change-makers for the future.
Residing in western Massachusetts, Chrisler is not just a distinguished professional but also a proud Smith College alumna and a mother of three sons. She takes on the presidential role after having served as the interim president for three months, seamlessly transitioning into her new position while continuing the critical work already in progress.
In her inaugural statement, Chrisler expressed deep faith in the promise of Hampshire College, recognizing its unique approach to liberal arts education and commitment to change. "The College's creation required a radical rethinking of how to approach the liberal arts, and we've been pushing higher education forward ever since," Chrisler noted. She emphasized the importance of reinventing educational practices to meet the demands of the 21st century, stating, "Now is the time to supercharge our work to envision an education that prioritizes student agency, adaptability, and real-world impact."
Chrisler's vision for Hampshire includes a crucial focus on transformative growth, not only for the institution but also within the broader community. Ensuring operational health while fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability is paramount in her leadership strategy.
Jose Fuentes, the chair of Hampshire's board, voiced strong support for Chrisler, noting that her blend of vision and resilience positions her as an ideal leader for such an experimental institution. "Jennifer Chrisler's exemplary leadership has already proven essential for the College," Fuentes declared. "In her, we have a steady and savvy financial hand, as well as a strategist who can see the macro trends in higher education and forge an innovative future for Hampshire and the liberal arts."
Filmmaker Ken Burns, an alumnus of Hampshire and co-chair of the College's Change in the Making campaign, echoed the sentiments of the board chair, expressing confidence in Chrisler's ability to lead. Burns stated, "I can't think of a better person to take the reins at Hampshire College right now than Jennifer Chrisler. She has lived our recent past and knows the workings and the secret sauce of the College at every level."
Hampshire College is known for its distinctive curriculum that equips students with the essential tools to tackle complex challenges of the modern world. The College intentionally departs from traditional majors and departments, preparing students for a future characterized by rapid change. This approach encourages graduates to not only develop advanced skills but also engage in continuous innovation.
As Hampshire College embarks on this new chapter under Jennifer Chrisler's leadership, the community anticipates an exciting era of educational initiatives focused on progressive values and academic excellence. With her passion for teaching, advocacy for diversity, and commitment to educational reformation, Chrisler aims to strengthen the College's long-standing legacy of fostering critical thinkers and change-makers for the future.
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