As dean of Newcomb-Tulane College, James MacLaren made an immense difference to me, a first-generation college student. Dean MacLaren thoughtfully and kindly responded to student feedback, worked to make the campus more equitable, and fostered a real community. From his first-year seminar on leadership to Friday morning Donuts with the Dean, Dr. MacLaren’s impact on the student experience cannot be overstated.

— Courtney Liss, Tulane University ’15

James is a student-centered administrator. As the St. Xavier University provost, he teamed with me to meet with students weekly to discuss concerns and work with them to create solutions. James’ collaborative style, data-driven decision-making approach, and teaching and research background will be valuable assets as he takes the reins as president. You have chosen an exceptional leader for Lebanon Valley College!

— Tony Campbell, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (Retired), Saint Xavier University

James is an outstanding scholar and academic leader. Among his many contributions at Tulane, he did a magnificent job as the inaugural dean of Newcomb-Tulane College, which was created after Hurricane Katrina to consolidate undergraduate education at the university. James was adored and respected by staff, faculty, and students for his authenticity, compassion, effectiveness, and commitment to academic excellence and student success.

—Scott Cowen, President Emeritus and Distinguished University Chair, Tulane University

It has been an honor and a tremendous learning experience to have worked with James MacLaren for the last two years. He is a deeply respected provost who cares about people in our community and who makes the people around him better. Under his leadership at Saint Xavier University, we worked as a community to increase student success and retention, made important improvements in holistic support of student learning and advising, enhanced and improved several graduate programs with resulting increases in enrollments, revised general education, and prepared for an important visit from our accreditor next month. In all these endeavors, Dr. MacLaren was a generous leader who supported and credited the faculty and staff who did the hard work to make these things happen. He is student-centered and enthusiastically supports them in their educational journeys. James is unfailingly positive and cheerful and a model for listening respectfully to all community members. He will be a great president at Lebanon Valley College.

—Robin Rylaarsdam, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, St. Xavier University

I first met James MacLaren as part of Tulane University’s freshmen initiative. He was my professor for a leadership course, and I had not at that point, or since, met an educator who cares as much about students as he does. James MacLaren works hard to ensure that every student in his classroom and on-campus feels understood, appreciated, and that they belong to his community. He tirelessly works to create spaces for students to interact with him, so they feel heard and have someone to come to any time. And, he does it all with the infectious joy. He constantly sought student input and actively created opportunities for students to demonstrate and practice leadership. Although I had just one class with him, I worked with him throughout my four years as a campus leader through student government and Tulane’s community service organization, CACTUS. I absolutely credit him with teaching me how to view a challenge with a calm mind and a joyful attitude. He and his family have been a rock in my life even years after I graduated from Tulane. LVC welcomes a president who puts students first, and I offer my congratulations not only to James MacLaren but to your campus for making the best decision for your 19th president.

—Lea Bogner Loy, Tulane University ’12

I had the pleasure of working side by side with James MacLaren for the past 20-some years as a professor and administrator at Tulane University. He is a dear friend and a wonderful and talented human being. I am thrilled that he will be the president of Lebanon Valley College. Working with James is working with a true professional who cares about students—all students. One of the great joys of my professional life was working with James to establish the Center for Academic Equity for underrepresented students at Tulane. The work of meeting the equity needs of students of color, first-generation, LGBTQ, and Posse and College Track students is a labor of love and imagination, both of which define James MacLaren as a leader. Lebanon Valley College is lucky beyond words to have James MacLaren as your new president.

—Rebecca Mark, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Women’s Leadership, Rutgers University (Past Director of Newcomb College Institute and Center for Academic Equity at Tulane University)

A consummate professional and dedicated educator, James MacLaren brings outstanding experience and skills to his new role as president of Lebanon Valley College. Privileged as I was to work with James at Tulane University, I had the opportunity to learn from his powerful insights regarding the student experience, his exemplary work as a scholar-teacher, and his deft and gracious manner with others. As president of LVC, James will afford the institution fine leadership while, at the same time, modeling the highest standards of character, fairness, decency, and goodwill. I wish him every success and every happiness at LVC!

—Michael Bernstein, Ph.D., Interim President, Stony Brook University (Past Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Tulane University)

Lebanon Valley College is fortunate to be getting James MacLaren as its 19th president! He is an effective leader, teacher, administrator, and fundraiser because he connects well with faculty, staff, students, and alumni. James treats people with respect, finds commonality with them, and genuinely cares about their well-being. While always ready to take time for others, he does not hesitate to work hard to accomplish the tasks at hand. He has good ideas and is accepting of others’ opinions. James is an effective problem solver and a team player who encourages others, builds on their strengths, and uses his resources well. I look forward to seeing all that LVC and James will accomplish together!

—Beth Wee, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the School of Science & Engineering, Tulane University

I am very excited that James MacLaren has been named the 19th president of Lebanon Valley College. James’ leadership experience and deep insights into higher education are certain to be valuable to LVC. He has a strong command of what makes a quality undergraduate experience and how to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s career opportunities. James is a skilled and compassionate leader with boundless commitment, energy, and passion. He has the right mix of skills and qualities to lead LVC to new and exciting heights.

—Yvette Jones, Executive Vice President for University Affairs (Retired), Tulane University