# Lisa Marsh Ryerson

> Lisa Marsh Ryerson is the president and CEO of Southern New Hampshire University, where she leads a nonprofit university serving more than 200,000 learners. A first-generation college graduate and former middle-school teacher, she previously spent 28 years at Wells College, including 18 as president, and nearly nine years leading AARP Foundation. Her operating idea is consistent across those very different institutions: listen closely, use evidence, and design with the people an organization serves.

- **Role:** President and CEO at Southern New Hampshire University
- **Organizations:** Southern New Hampshire University, AARP Foundation, Wells College, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, American Council on Education, National Women's History Museum, New Hampshire College and University Council, AGB Council of Presidents, NE10 Conference Council of Presidents
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in English, with honors, Wells College, Master of Science in Education/Literacy, State University of New York at Cortland
- **Known for:** Increased enrollment at Wells College by 45% during her presidency., Launched an endowed Center for Business and Entrepreneurship at Wells College., Led AARP Foundation during a three-year plan that generated more than $5 billion in income for older adults.

## Career timeline

- **Early career** — Taught fifth and eighth grade after undergraduate work-study experiences drew her toward teaching.
- **1984** — Joined the admissions office at Wells College.
- **1991** — Became dean of students at Wells College.
- **1994** — Advanced through vice president and executive vice president roles before becoming acting president of Wells College.
- **1995-2013** — Served as president and CEO of Wells College for 18 years.
- **2013-2022** — Led AARP Foundation for nearly nine years.
- **2016-2022** — Served six years on the Southern New Hampshire University Board of Trustees.
- **2022-2024** — Served as SNHU provost, unifying campus and online academics with admissions, advising and financial aid.
- **2024-present** — Became SNHU's sixth president and CEO on July 1, 2024.
- **2025** — SNHU's board extended her contract through June 2030.

## Achievements

- Increased enrollment at Wells College by 45% during her presidency.
- Launched an endowed Center for Business and Entrepreneurship at Wells College.
- Led AARP Foundation during a three-year plan that generated more than $5 billion in income for older adults.
- As SNHU provost, unified campus and online academic programs with admissions, advising and financial aid in one learner-centered experience team.
- In her first year as SNHU president, oversaw a new strategic practice and the launch of a professional-skills site with a credit-for-prior-learning-approved microcredential.
- Received honorary degrees from Southern New Hampshire University, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Albany and Dickinson College.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — Published 'Building a Higher Education System That Works for Every Learner,' connecting public policy with learner needs.
- **2026-06** — Discussed leadership transition, deep listening and SNHU's future in a Higher Ed Dive interview ahead of her second anniversary as president.
- **2026-04** — Joined an ASU+GSV Summit discussion on using AI to support nontraditional learners, arguing that institutions should guide AI rather than let AI guide them.
- **2026-03** — Used SNHU's Impact magazine to emphasize belonging, flexible pathways, recognition of prior learning and employer partnerships.
- **2025-08** — Received a five-year contract extension to lead SNHU through June 2030.

## Links

- Website: https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/leadership-and-history/lisa-marsh-ryerson
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-marsh-ryerson-2201091b

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/lisa-ryerson
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-27