Mary A. Papazian

A seasoned leader with 35 years of experience as a university professor and senior administrator, Mary A. Papazian recently joined the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges as its executive vice president following her service as interim chief executive officer of the Business Higher Education Forum. This followed her service as the 30th president of San José State University (CA) and as president of Southern Connecticut State University. Her tenure in leadership centered on institutional transformation, community partnerships, inclusive excellence, digital transformation, strengthening research and graduation education, and addressing barriers to educational equity and student and faculty success.

A scholar of early modern British literature, Papazian holds B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a board-certified candidate with certification in ESG (environmental, social, and governance), adviser to early-stage startups, and sought-after speaker on topics such as the talent pipeline, digital transformation, Gen Z, the metaverse and education, and the importance of the liberal arts in a digital economy.