17th President of Lawrence University
Presidential Announcement
Watch the historic announcement of Lawrence University's 17th President: Laurie A. Carter.
President Laurie A. Carter
Photo courtesy of Shippensburg University.
Laurie A. Carter Named 17th President of Lawrence University
Laurie A. Carter, a strategic and dedicated leader in higher education, has been appointed 17th president of Lawrence University. She was the Presidential Search Committee’s unanimous choice to be Lawrence’s next president, which the Board of Trustees enthusiastically supported. She will assume the presidency on July 1, 2021.
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Meet Laurie A. Carter!
Laurie A. Carter currently serves as president of Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. Her tenure has focused on prioritizing student success, telling the university’s story, building a relationship with the community, enhancing overall quality, and strengthening diversity and inclusion. Prior to Shippensburg, Carter served as executive vice president and university counsel for Eastern Kentucky University. Her extensive leadership experience in higher education also extends to the performing arts, including 25 years of service at The Juilliard School.
President Laurie A. Carter
Photo courtesy of Shippensburg University.
Statements of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Presidential Search Committee
"Throughout the entire search process, Laurie continually rose to the top of a robust candidate pool and was a consistent student favorite. The committee was particularly impressed by her experience as current president of Pennsylvania’s Shippensburg University, where she focused on prioritizing student success and academic quality, strengthening diversity and inclusion efforts, and attaining financial sustainability. Her extensive leadership in performing arts education, including 25 years of service at The Juilliard School, her thoughtfulness, and her keen listening abilities also made her an outstanding candidate to lead Lawrence University into the future.
There is no doubt in my mind that Lawrence’s future is bright, and Laurie will help our university and community continue to shine its light throughout the world."
- Cory Nettles ‘92, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
"I am thrilled to welcome Laurie Carter as the 17th President of Lawrence University. Laurie’s drive for academic excellence, dedication to students, and commitment to advancing Lawrence as an antiracist institution made her the standout in a field of highly talented candidates. The Search Committee was also impressed with Laurie’s demonstrated success in improving student success, managing institutional finances, and innovating both curricular and co-curricular offerings.
Laurie’s wide-ranging experiences in higher education, including conservatory and athletics programs, will enable her to quickly connect and build relationships across the full range of the Lawrence community. She is also anxious to engage in the Appleton community. Laurie is joining Lawrence University at a time of incredible positive momentum, and I am confident she is the right leader to help Lawrence build on its strengths as a distinctive liberal arts institution."
- Sarah Schott ’97, Vice Chair of the Search Committee and Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Read More Statements of Support
Presidential Search Process
The search for the seventeenth president of Lawrence University was a successful process led by a committee that included students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Board of Trustees. Learn more about the search process.