Hear from the award-winning physicist, passionate advocate for student success, and visionary academic leader who was elected unanimously by the LVC Board of Trustees.

Dr. James M. MacLaren had a teacher who ignited his interest in the physical sciences and inspired him to become a guide and mentor to students. Hear his thoughts on what constitutes a transformational education.

Dr. MacLaren earned a bachelor and master of arts in natural sciences from Churchill College at the University of Cambridge, U.K. He went on to study the electronic properties of catalyst surfaces at Imperial College, London, earning a Ph.D. in condensed matter physics.

After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in August 2005, Dr. MacLaren collaborated remotely with his colleagues to develop and implement the Renewal Plan, a roadmap for Tulane to reopen and rebuild. He was appointed the founding dean of Newcomb-Tulane College, which he led for 12 years.

Among Dr. James M. MacLaren’s proudest accomplishments as dean at Newcomb-Tulane College was establishing the Center for Academic Equity to support traditionally underrepresented and first-generation students.

Dr. James M. MacLaren is married to Gina MacLaren, a realtor in New Orleans. They have three daughters, Emily, Meg, and Caroline. The MacLarens will reside at Kreiderheim, the historic presidential residence on the north side of the Lebanon Valley College campus.