What’s Next for George Washington University?
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George Washington University named its first female president in 2023. With Dr. Ellen Granberg at the helm, a new era is beginning at GWU.
“Today, as we begin celebrations for Women’s History Month, we are honoring the many women who have had great impact on our university, our country, and the world,” tweeted George Washington University’s interim President Mark Wrighton on March 1, 2023.
“There are many inspiring women, past and present, who have strengthened our George Washington University community,” reminded Wrighton. “Their legacies, contributions, and voices have enabled and accelerated the progress not only of our world-class research institution but also of society broadly.”
The statement marked the beginning of Women’s History Month 2023. It also marked the beginning of an exciting new era of leadership at GWU.
In 2022, George Washington University launched an exhaustive, year-long search for a new president. In January 2023, the university made an important announcement.
“Ellen Granberg, Ph. D., to Serve as 19th President of the George Washington University,” announced GW Today on January 11, 2023. The publication called Dr. Granberg, “an innovative and dynamic leader with decades of experience at research universities and a sociology scholar.”
“We were fortunate to recruit a highly talented and diverse pool of candidates to consider during the presidential search,” Presidential Search Committee chair Roslyn M. Brock, M.S. ’89 said of the committee’s work. “President-Elect Granberg demonstrated keen higher education knowledge, authentic and strategic leadership, and appreciation for the historical role of GW in producing global leaders.”
Dr. Granberg comes to her new role at GWU from the private technological institution, RIT, where she has served as Provost since 2018. When the university named her as its new president in January 2023, the academic community adjacent to Capitol Hill celebrated its rising new star.
“The George Washington University has the quality, impact and upward momentum of a world-class academic institution,” Dr. Granberg said of her new appointment. “I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve as GW’s president.”
