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Higher Education Executive Thought Leadership
Higher education is a unique space for executive thought leadership. College presidents and deans are reaching a wide audience – they’re showing up for students, alumni, staff, faculty, and entire communities.
And they’re doing it in a world where the future of education and work is shifting fast, new technologies are rewriting how we learn, and institutions are under more public pressure than ever.
On LinkedIn, we’re seeing more leaders in higher ed use their voices to cut through the noise. They’re talking about equity, workforce readiness, student success, and why higher ed still matters. When done well, it’s not just good content – it’s strategic leadership in public.
The strongest higher ed thought leaders on LinkedIn are using the platform to bring clarity, perspective, and purpose to some of the biggest questions facing students, institutions, and society. Here are a few leaders who are doing it well – clear voice, consistent presence, and content that connects.
Common Content Themes
- Workforce Preparation
Show how their institutions build pipelines to high-demand careers, foster local and national partnerships, and align education with labor market needs.
- Innovation in Higher Ed
This includes system redesigns, online/hybrid education, use of big data, and experimental approaches to access, delivery, or credentials.
- Equity, Access & Inclusion
Content that champions underrepresented groups, first-gen students, gender equity, or place-based access to education.
- Personal Life and Perspectives
Showing personality, background, values, or life outside the job into view—creating relatability and trust.
- Institutional Successes
Posts that celebrate student milestones, alumni stories, or institutional wins.
- Higher Ed Thought Leadership
Weighing in on national issues, influence policy, or represent higher ed in broader conversations.
Erika James
Dean, The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) – Philadelphia, PA
Dean James is the first woman and first person of color to lead Wharton. Her content often provides business leadership insights and highlights Wharton initiatives for student success. She infuses posts with practical guidance to add real value for followers. She focuses on expanding opportunities to diversify talent pipelines and close gender gaps, empowering the next generation of leaders through a holistic approach to learning. Also active on X and Instagram.
- Equity, Access & Inclusion
- Innovation in Higher Ed
- Personal Life and Perspectives
Madeline Pumariega
President, Miami Dade College – Miami, FL
Pumariega is the first female president of America’s largest public community college. Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s “Top Voices in Education” in 2022, she is vocal about workforce development and tech education. She shares how to connect students with Miami’s growing tech sector, develop local talent pipelines, and build industry partnerships that open new pathways for learners.
- Workforce Preparation
- Equity, Access & Inclusion
- Institutional Successes
Willow Bay
Dean, USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism – Los Angeles, CA
Willow Bay uses LinkedIn to highlight student and faculty achievements, industry partnerships, and the role of journalism in civic life. She often reflects on how data and research can inform leadership, shape media narratives, and guide decision-making in higher education. Her content blends storytelling with a focus on evidence-based innovation.
- Innovation in Higher Ed
- Institutional Successes
- Higher Ed Thought Leadership
Renu Khator
Chancellor, University of Houston & UH System – Houston, TX
One of the longest-serving major public university leaders, Dr. Khator is known for her high social media engagement with over 100,000 followers on X and an active Instagram presence. On LinkedIn, she mixes posts about campus achievements (e.g. athletics, research milestones) with personal touches. She also isn’t shy about commenting on higher ed policy and legislation.
- Personal Life and Perspectives & Humanized Content
- Institutional Successes
- Higher Ed Thought Leadership
Michael M. Crow
President, Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
Dr. Crow is a prominent voice on higher ed innovation. He frequently publishes posts and articles on LinkedIn about reimagining university models, often highlighting ASU’s initiatives as examples. Crow believes in higher education’s ability to scale access and innovate – for instance, he speaks about serving first-generation students and leading change to make universities more adaptive and inclusive.
- Innovation in Higher Ed
- Workforce Preparation
- Equity, Access & Inclusion
John Rainone
President, of Mountain Gateway Community College – Alleghany County, VA
John Rainone brings a rural and relational lens to higher ed leadership on LinkedIn, positioning Mountain Gateway as a small institution with a national voice. His posts highlight the role of community colleges in driving local economic development, and expanding credential-based career pathways. Rainone frequently reflects on the human side of college leadership: mentorship, identity, and service.
- Workforce Preparation
- Personal Life and Perspectives & Humanized Content
- Institutional Successes