Life in Higher Ed
Welcome to Life in Higher Ed. We are senior higher education administrators and combined we have over 50 years of experience. We are here to talk about what goes on behind the scenes on college and university campuses. We surface the interesting, the confounding, and the seemingly absurd, and we do so with honesty and a sprinkling of humor. We want to help you not only survive but thrive and to know that you are not alone in your journey. If you are an administrator in higher ed or considering becoming an administrator, this podcast is for you!
Life in Higher Ed
What Higher Ed Needs: authentic optimism
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Devorah Lieberman, PhD
Devorah Lieberman, PhD, is an internationally recognized higher education leader, scholar, and advisor, known for advancing institutional transformation, inclusive excellence, and global engagement. She served for twelve years as President of the University of La Verne, becoming the first woman president in the institution’s 135-year history, and led significant growth in enrollment, finances, and global partnerships—quadrupling the endowment and nearly doubling the operating budget while earning national recognition for social mobility and student success. Previously, she served as Provost at Wagner College and as a professor and Vice Provost at Portland State University. Currently, Lieberman works extensively with university leaders worldwide, serving as Senior Consultant for the International Association of University Presidents, Senior Advisor to the American Council on Education, Senior Consultant for The Phoenix Philanthropy Group, and Initiative Lead for the LA Chamber “Paradigm Shift.” She is the author and editor of multiple publications on presidential leadership and governance in complex global contexts and has two books scheduled for release this summer and fall 2026.
Resources
Lieberman, D. (2026). Guided by Principle, Driven by Change: Insights on Transformative Leadership from University Presidents Globally. Bloomsbury Academic.
Lieberman, D. (2025). Spotlighting Female Leadership: Strategies, Stories, Perspectives. International Association of University Presidents.
