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

POTSDAM, N.Y., Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarkson University proudly announces that the Board of Trustees has named Michelle B. Larson, PhD as the 19th President, marking a historic moment as the first woman to lead this distinguished university in its 128-year history. A physicist by training, Larson brings a remarkable blend of academic and non-profit business leadership expertise, all rooted in her deep commitment to science and higher education. Larson joins Clarkson University from The Adler Planetarium in Chicago, where she has served as President and CEO since 2013.

"Naming Dr. Larson as Clarkson's next leader is a significant milestone for the institution," said Nancy Reyda, Chair of the Clarkson University Board of Trustees. "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."

From the outset, the search process was intentional and inclusive. "We established a Search Committee representing a wide range of perspectives within our university community," Reyda explained. "Undergraduate and graduate students, professors, alumni, staff and Trustees all had a voice. Inclusivity was paramount."

The search began with over 50 applicants, and Reyda said that "Dr. Larson's exceptional balance of academic excellence, bold business acumen and leadership grace distinguished her immediately." The sentiment among the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees was unanimous—Dr. Michelle Larson is the ideal choice for this critical leadership role at this pivotal time in Clarkson's history.

Larson earned her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in physics from Montana State University and served in academic leadership for more than a decade, including as Vice Provost at Utah State University before leading the Adler Planetarium for the past 12 years. Her distinguished career includes helping NASA forge partnerships to engage the world with the universe and working to make new discoveries in science, technology, engineering and math understandable for society as a whole. Additionally, Larson brings a wealth of business experience and depth of fiscal expertise as a long-serving CEO in Chicago's dynamic economic landscape. 

A native of Alaska, Larson has a profound appreciation for cold climates and the resilience they inspire. She and her family will be right at home at Clarkson's Potsdam, NY Campus in the beautiful Adirondacks. When she visited the campus, Larson was drawn to "the Clarkson way" of experiential STEM learning at its best. After visiting the Student Projects for Engineering Experience and Design (SPEED) Lab and the Student Innovation Hub (IGNITE), as well as connecting with faculty, staff and students she noted, "The opportunity for Clarkson University students to dream, experiment, fail, innovate and succeed in this supportive learning environment is truly remarkable - Clarkson University feels magical and real."

Clarkson graduates exemplify curiosity and invention and work with a grit and determination that is reflected in the University's credo from 1896 "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." While nationally ranked at 113 on U.S. News & World Report's list of premier engineering schools, a deeply seeded humility too-often keeps Clarkson's remarkable success stories understated. Larson intends to change that. Her vision inaugurates a new era of celebrating and amplifying Clarkson's achievements by championing its leaders and innovators who are changing the world.

"Clarkson University captured my head and my heart from the start. It's clearly a place where curiosity grows, ideas illuminate the path forward and collaboration drives success," Larson shared. "As I came to know the Clarkson community, I was impressed by each person's palpable commitment to this University. Everywhere I looked, I saw a spark in people's eyes and the talent to ignite it. Clarkson is a bold yet humble community learning together and tackling the world's challenges. I am deeply honored and absolutely thrilled to accept the opportunity to lead Clarkson University."

Larson has a dynamic blend of expertise and enthusiasm, and her arrival as President begins an exciting new chapter for Clarkson University. She will begin her role on April 1, 2025, and her husband Shane Larson PhD, an accomplished Astrophysicist, will join 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." 

About Clarkson

Clarkson University is a proven leader in technological education, research, innovation and sustainable economic development. With its main campus in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, Clarkson faculty have a direct impact on more than 7,800 students annually through nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate STEM designated degrees in engineering, business, science and health professions; executive education, industry-relevant credentials and K-12 STEM programs. Alumni earn salaries among the top 2% in the nation: one in five already leads in the c-suite. To learn more go to www.clarkson.edu.

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SOURCE Clarkson University