April 23, 2025
The Board of Directors of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is pleased to announce the extension of Marjorie Hass’ contract as president through June 30, 2030. The announcement comes as Hass, who started the position in July 2021, nears completion of her fourth year leading the association. The move ensures continued strong leadership as CIC advances its mission and strategic priorities.
“In an era of increased uncertainty, there is a paramount need for innovative, experienced, and dedicated leadership in independent higher education. Marjorie is the ideal leader for this critical moment, and CIC is fortunate to benefit from her guidance for several more years,” wrote Board Chair Harry E. Dumay, president of Elms College (MA), in an announcement to the board earlier this month.
The announcement highlighted successes under Hass’ leadership that include how CIC has continued to be a premier provider of resources, training, and support for independent college and university leaders, while actively influencing the future of higher education.
Since 2021, CIC has introduced several new initiatives centered on student belonging, artificial intelligence in higher education, civil discourse, and presidential renewal to support the personal revitalization of experienced presidents. CIC is currently convening leaders and experts to collaboratively shape the future business model for independent higher education through a soon-to-be-launched Alliance for Strategic Innovation.
The success of these initiatives is evident as CIC has consistently achieved a renewal rate exceeding 95 percent annually and has, under Hass’ leadership, secured a total of $41.8 million dollars in grant funding, including a historic $20 million grant. Dr. Hass has also been an exceptional spokesperson for the value of independent education, serving as a highly sought-after speaker and gaining influence through her writing and her monthly newsletter.
Hass expressed her gratitude for the contract extension by saying, “I have joyfully accepted the opportunity to continue in this unique role. I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence that the Board of Directors has placed in me. At this moment, there is no other work that would feel more meaningful to me than to continue to support CIC member institutions and to advocate for their needs. I am grateful as well to have such a terrific group of CIC colleagues by my side.”
Immediately before joining CIC, Hass served as president of Rhodes College (TN). Previously, Hass served for eight years as president of Austin College (TX). Earlier, she spent more than 16 years as a member of the philosophy faculty and subsequently as provost at Muhlenberg College (PA). She is the author of A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education. She was included on the 2024 list published by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education highlighting 40 outstanding women in higher education and was the recipient of the American Council on Education (ACE)’s 2024 Donna Shavlik Award, which honors an individual whose leadership demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing women in higher education. In 2025, Hass was recognized during the ASU+GSV Summit as a Power of Women winner, an annual award that recognizes exceptional women who play a critical role in EdTech, and as one of the Leading Women in AI.
Hass was a member of the CIC Board of Directors from 2012 to 2016. She also has served as a board member of the Association of American Colleges & Universities and as former chair of the board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees at Brandeis University (MA).