Leadership

Mayor Johnson hosted leaders and representatives from AUC universities for a conversation based on his visits to our universities during the spring of 2026. The students raised issues in five broad categories: Transportation as a gateway to opportunity; Clearer pathways to opportunity; Belonging matters; Mental health, safety and well-being; and Navigating existing opportunities.

Current leadership representatives include:

Lisa Coleman, Ph.D.

President, Adler University

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Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy.D.

President, The Chicago School

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Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott, J.D.

President, Chicago State University

Biography

Juan Salgado, M.U.P.

Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago

Biography

Shantae Bolton, Ph.D., M.B.A., O.D.C.P.

President and Chief Executive Officer, Columbia College Chicago

Biography

Dr. Rob Manuel, PhD

President, DePaul University

Biography

Dr. M. Wasiullah Khan, Ph.D.

Chancellor, East-West University

Biography

Dr. Raj Echambadi, Ph.D.

President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Biography

Mark C. Reed, Ed.D.

President, Loyola University Chicago

Biography

Dr. Eddie Phillips, Ed.D.

President, National Louis University

Biography

Dr. Katrina Bell-Jordan, Ph.D.

Interim President, Northeastern Illinois University

Biography

Mung Chiang, Ph.D.

President, Northwestern University

Biography

Dr. Ali Malekzadeh. Ph.D.

President, Roosevelt University

Biography

Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA

President, Rush University

Biography

Keith Elder, Ph.D

President, St. Xavier University

Biography

Jiseon Lee Isbara

President, School of the Art Institute Chicago

Biography

Dr. Paul Alivasatos, Ph.D.

President, University of Chicago

Biography

Dr. Marie Lynn Miranda, Ph.D.

Chancellor, University of Illinois at Chicago

Biography