It isn’t the easiest time for higher education in this country right now. Between federal pressures, rising costs and demands, and rapid technological advancements, colleges and universities find themselves in a tough position. Simply put, delivering a top-tier education is more complex than it has ever been. It’s a challenge that demands determined, dynamic leadership. As President of The George Washington University, Ellen M. Granberg is ready for that challenge, and she’s joining us on November 19 for Lessons in Leadership to share her approach to leading DC's largest higher education institution.

10:30AM - 11:00AM Networking and Check-in
11:00AM - 12:00PM Program

Ellen M. Granberg is the 19th President of the George Washington University, a preeminent research university and the largest institution of higher education in the nation’s capital.

President Granberg is an accomplished academic leader who has a record of strengthening teaching and research excellence across disciplines, supporting a diverse and inclusive community of students, faculty, and staff, and collaborating with all stakeholders to drive transformative change and increase institutional prominence. She became the first woman to serve as GW’s President on July 1, 2023.

A nationally recognized scholar in the sociology of self, identity, and mental health, President Granberg began her career in academia as a Professor of Sociology.

Prior to pursuing graduate studies, she spent eleven years in the telecommunications industry, leading large integrated software development teams that replaced aging billing and customer service systems.

President Granberg holds a B.A. in history from the University of California at Davis and an M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from Vanderbilt University.