4 days ago
Jennifer Chrisler named interim president of Hampshire College
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Hampshire College has appointed Jennifer Chrisler as its interim president, effective July 1, following the departure of President Ed Wingenbach, who is leaving to lead the American College of Greece.
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Chrisler, currently serving as Hampshire's vice president for institutional support, joined the College in 2019 as chief advancement officer during a pivotal time in the institution's history.
That year, the College reversed its decision to pursue a merger and recommitted to remaining an independent and autonomous institution. Since then, Chrisler has played a key role in stabilizing Hampshire's financial outlook.
She led the 'Change in the Making' campaign, which has raised over $50 million in direct operating support, including three $5 million gifts — the largest contributions the College has received since its founding.
'The board has every confidence in Jenn's outstanding leadership abilities, and we know that her work will be informed by her love of Hampshire and familiarity with the community,' said Jose Fuentes, chair of Hampshire's Board of Trustees. 'As interim president, she will ensure the College continues to increase and stabilize enrollment and successfully close our fundraising campaign, all while delivering a distinctive, world-class education.'
Chrisler expressed her deep commitment to the College's mission in a statement.
'I joined Hampshire six years ago because I believe in this College's mission and the unique education it offers. Six years later, I can say for certain that the breadth and depth of Hampshire's impact on the world are needed now more than ever,' Chrisler said. 'The people who are educated, teach, work, and live here are truly remarkable. I'm honored that the board and campus have entrusted me with this role, and I look forward to continuing the consequential work of securing Hampshire's future.'
Chrisler's interim presidency begins as the Board of Trustees conducts a national search for a permanent president in partnership with Greenwood Asher & Associates.
Before her current role, Chrisler led institutional support functions including fundraising, alumni and family relations, enrollment, financial aid, marketing and communications, public relations, and event services. She previously served as vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and as vice president of alumnae relations at Smith College, her alma mater.
Chrisler also brings a national profile as an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. From 2005 to 2013, she was executive director of the Family Equality Council, where she grew its annual fundraising to nearly $3 million and expanded major donor and corporate support. She currently chairs the board of Fenway Health, a Boston-based organization that centers LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC communities, and other underserved groups in health care and research.
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