Meet Lafayette's New President

Nicole Hurd, Ph.D., a passionate, energetic leader who is a champion of academic and inclusive excellence in higher education, will become the 18th president of Lafayette College.

Words of Praise

Nicole is one of the most truly extraordinary leaders I have ever worked with. She has great vision, determination, and ability to get any task done—done right and done on time. If there is a problem, she works to find a solution. And when she envisions that solution, she leads with keen insight and always from the front. She is kind, thoughtful, and caring, yet bold, efficient, and effective.

Erskine Bowles
president emeritus, University of North Carolina

I appreciate Nicole’s deep commitment to expanding access to higher education and helping students thrive. She understands that it’s not simply about opening more doors, but about what’s waiting when you come through those doors: intentionally building a community that enables all of its members to flourish. Her genuine warmth and desire to connect and collaborate come through in every conversation.

Jenn Rossmann
professor of mechanical engineering
co-director, Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education

Nicole has shown remarkable leadership, resourcefulness, and insight, single-handedly changing the face of higher education. Lafayette College, you have recruited an extraordinary leader, innovator, and a woman of great character. Congratulations.

Peter Grauer
chairman of Bloomberg L.P. and founding chair of the College Advising Corps

I was very inspired by Nicole’s passion for students and her experience in seeing firsthand the impact that a college education can have on a student’s life. She brings that passion to Lafayette, and I look forward to seeing how she will help Lafayette become even better in providing students with the best possible college experience.

Antonio F. Fernandez ’81
member, Board of Trustees
president, AFF Advisors LLC

I am excited about Nicole joining the Lafayette community because she is a great fit for the College. Not only will she connect well with our students and alumni, but she is also the kind of inclusive leader who will work well with the faculty and Board of Trustees in our system of shared governance.

David Stifel
Charles A. Dana Professor of Economics

Nicole comes across as an authentic leader of people and possesses a natural confidence. She is values-driven, leads with grace and humility, and believes in the importance of amplifying voices and making room for new and diverse points of view.

Linda Assante Carrasco ’90
vice chair, Board of Trustees
former managing partner with investment management firm Jasper Ridge Partners

Lafayette College will flourish with Nicole Hurd in your presidency. She is a visionary, ambitious for the common good. She is also charming, modest, funny, and approachable. Nicole is a devoted teacher, an eloquent advocate for higher education, a national leader, and a thoughtful neighbor. She has been a force for diversity, equity, and inclusion every day of her career. She will build on what is best about Lafayette.

Edward Ayers
president emeritus, University of Richmond

I cannot think of a better choice than Dr. Nicole Hurd to lead any academic institution. Her commitment to breaking down the systemic barriers to admission and making higher education an option for everyone is the way colleges and universities should be thinking. Beyond all of her tireless work and the passion that she brings to it, she is a true beacon of love. Love actually radiates from Dr. Hurd. Congratulations, Lafayette College. Y’all picked a real one.

Daveed Diggs
actor, writer, rapper, and producer

As a deeply committed advocate for opportunity and access for students, we are delighted that Nicole Hurd is joining the Lafayette College family and sharing her leadership and innovative spirit with our community.

Tanuja M. Dehne ’93
member, Board of Trustees
president and CEO, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation

With warmth, generosity, and years of experience at the head of a nonprofit, Nicole Hurd will be a key conduit between faculty and the board to heal relationships and ensure a new standard for shared governance at Lafayette.

Chawne Kimber
Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Professor of Mathematics
co-director, Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education
newly named dean of the College at Washington and Lee University

She leads with kindness and determination. She has the academic strength and entrepreneurial skills to continue nurturing our inquiring nature and professional obligation to education as a crucial, lifelong process.

Hannah Tatu
former president, Lafayette Administrative Council

Nicole has the personality and presence that undoubtedly will make all members of the Lafayette community feel engaged and connected as part of the ongoing goal of ensuring that Lafayette remains one of the preeminent higher education institutions in this country.

Jonathan Ellis ‘98
portfolio manager and director of research at Axiom Investors

Meet Lafayette's New President

Our 18th President

Section Title

Event Highlights

Read the Announcement

Introducing Lafayette College's
Next President

Nicole Hurd shares what attracted her to Lafayette, her vision for the future of the College, and how she plans to support faculty and students.

From news.lafayette.edu

Oct 15, 2021

Inaugural Address

Oct 11, 2021

To a Bolder Tomorrow

Oct 5, 2021

Photo Gallery: Homecoming

Words of Praise

Messages from President Hurd

Director of Community Engagement

Greetings

“Hello” from President Hurd

Meet Lafayette's New President

Event Highlights

Read the Announcement

Introducing Lafayette College's Next President

Nicole Hurd shares what attracted her to Lafayette, her vision for the future of the College, and how she plans to support faculty and students.

Oct 15, 2021

Inaugural Address

Oct 11, 2021

To a Bolder Tomorrow

Oct 5, 2021

Photo Gallery: Homecoming

Words of Praise

Director of Community Engagement

Greetings

“Hello” from President Hurd

Introducing Lafayette College's
Next President