illi News - Clarkson University Names Michelle B. Larson, PhD as 19th President

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POTSDAM, N.Y., Feb. 5, 2025 ~ In a historic moment for Clarkson University, the Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Michelle B. Larson, PhD as the 19th President. This marks a significant milestone as Larson becomes the first woman to lead the distinguished university in its 128-year history.

Nancy Reyda, Chair of the Clarkson University Board of Trustees, expressed her confidence in Larson's ability to lead the institution. "Naming Dr. Larson as Clarkson's next leader is a significant milestone for the institution," she said. "Michelle has the personal character and a unique blend of professional experience that will enable her to lead Clarkson to a transformational future. She's a powerful, visionary leader we believe in."

The search process for Clarkson's new president was intentional and inclusive, with input from various members of the university community including undergraduate and graduate students, professors, alumni, staff and trustees. Over 50 applicants were considered, but it was Larson's exceptional balance of academic excellence, business acumen and leadership skills that stood out to both the Search Committee and Board of Trustees.

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Larson brings with her an impressive background in physics, having earned her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from Montana State University. She also has over a decade of experience in academic leadership roles, including serving as Vice Provost at Utah State University before taking on her most recent position as President and CEO of The Adler Planetarium in Chicago.

Her career highlights include working with NASA to engage the public with space exploration and making complex scientific concepts accessible to society as a whole. In addition to her academic achievements, Larson also brings valuable business experience from her time as CEO in Chicago's dynamic economic landscape.

Originally from Alaska, Larson is no stranger to cold climates and is excited about joining Clarkson's Potsdam campus located in the beautiful Adirondack region. During her visit to campus, she was drawn to "the Clarkson way" of experiential STEM learning and was impressed by the university's commitment to providing a supportive environment for students to dream, experiment, fail, innovate and succeed.

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Larson's vision for Clarkson includes celebrating and amplifying the university's achievements and its graduates' impact on the world. She plans to champion the leaders and innovators who are changing the world through their work at Clarkson.

"I am deeply honored and absolutely thrilled to accept the opportunity to lead Clarkson University," Larson shared. "It's clearly a place where curiosity grows, ideas illuminate the path forward and collaboration drives success."

Larson will officially begin her role as President on April 1, 2025. Her husband, Shane Larson PhD, an accomplished Astrophysicist, will also be joining Clarkson as a faculty member in the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

"We are excited to get to know the people," Larson emphasized. "We come from rural roots, and we are so pleased to join the Clarkson and North Country communities. I am eager to work with faculty, staff, students and trustees to forge a bold new path forward for Clarkson." With her dynamic blend of expertise and enthusiasm, Larson's arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Clarkson University.

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