Elizabeth Kiss, an accomplished academic leader and philosopher, has been selected as the 20th president of Union College. The announcement follows a unanimous decision by the Board of Trustees. Kiss will assume the role on July 1, succeeding David Harris, who is stepping down after seven years of service.
Kiss (pronounced ‘quiche’) brings a wealth of experience to the position, having most recently served as CEO of the Rhodes Trust, where she oversaw the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship program. Her background includes a tenure as president of Agnes Scott College, where she spearheaded initiatives in leadership development, global learning, and institutional growth. She also served as the founding director of Duke University’s Kenan Institute for Ethics.
A New York City native, Kiss earned her undergraduate degree in philosophy from Davidson College and later attended the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, where she completed her master’s and doctorate degrees. Throughout her career, she has been a champion of inclusive education, advocating for diversity and access to higher learning. At Agnes Scott, she led the largest fundraising campaign in the institution’s history and played a pivotal role in strengthening student retention and engagement.
Under her leadership at the Rhodes Trust, the organization expanded scholarship opportunities in Africa, South Asia, and China while also launching new fellowship programs such as the Schmidt Science Fellows and Rise, which supports young leaders worldwide. Kiss has also served as a trustee for the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, which focuses on equitable access to education, healthcare, and homeownership.
Reflecting on her new role, Kiss expressed enthusiasm for Union’s mission and the campus community. “What struck me immediately about Union is the passion that students, faculty, and staff have for this institution,” she said, in a video clip uploaded to the College website. “There is an energy here that makes it clear this is a college that values both tradition and forward momentum.”
Students have big goals and visions for Kiss’s presidency, “[Kiss needs to] focus on listening to students’ voices– improving the housing process, getting class schedules, registration times– essentially listening to student concerns,” said Ramissa Khan ’28. Kassandra Smeltzer ’27, said Kiss should “prioritize the Climate Action Plan as well as pushing for the strength of AOP, and focus on keeping together Union’s encompassment of the sciences and humanities.”
In the same vein, Kiss highlighted the importance of Union’s commitment to research, global engagement, and athletics. She also expressed admiration for Schenectady’s history and revitalization efforts.
“She needs to make it to Lobsterfest and Springfest,” said Safa Ahmad, ’27, when asked about staple campus experiences. “It’s the perfect way to get acquainted with the campus community and really get out there, when the weather is much more welcoming.”
Kiss will be the first woman to lead Union College since its founding in 1795, and will begin her position on July 1, 2025 and be formally inaugurated in early fall 2025.
