Strategist. University President. Public Servant.
Bringing together experience in higher education, business, and Congress to strengthen institutions, expand opportunity, and advance national strategy rooted in shared values and civic responsibility.
Mark Kennedy brings a rare blend of leadership experience in academia, business, and public service—grounded in a deep commitment to opportunity, innovation, and the values that unite us. A proven leader in navigating complexity, he believes principled leadership can advance institutional excellence and America’s competitiveness.
A first-generation college graduate, former U.S. Congressman, and President Emeritus of the University of Colorado, Mark now leads the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition at the Wilson Center, advancing bipartisan policy to maintain U.S. leadership in technology, economics, defense, and diplomacy.
This site explores the ideas, institutions, and moments that have shaped his journey—from improving graduation rates and expanding access in higher education, to authoring legislation, building global partnerships, and leading with courage and clarity in pivotal moments.
Strategic Competition
From semiconductors and AI to trusted communications, I’ve worked at the highest levels of national policy to ensure America leads in the technologies that shape our prosperity and security. As the founding director of the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, I advocate bipartisan solutions that strengthen our innovation edge, expand talent pipelines, and defend democratic values in an era of great-power competition.
Academic Leader
As president of two public research universities, I championed institutional transformation—advancing access, improving outcomes, and guiding strategy through challenging times. At UND, I launched a strategic plan that led to R1 research status. At CU, I guided a $5B system through the pandemic, expanded online learning, and strengthened student success across demographics. A first-generation graduate myself, I remain committed to making the life-changing power of education more accessible to all.
360° Leadership
I’ve led in red and blue states, rural and urban regions, and across divided political landscapes. Whether guiding strategy in higher ed, forging bipartisan legislation in Congress, or building global partnerships, I focus on mission over ideology. By listening broadly and building coalitions, I’ve helped institutions—and communities—deliver results that last.
Called to Serve
Mark Kennedy has always viewed leadership as a calling rooted in purpose, not partisanship. A first-generation college graduate who rose from modest beginnings to serve in Congress, lead two research universities, and guide national strategy, he brings a deep belief in education as a ladder of opportunity.
From business to public service, from Capitol Hill to campus, Kennedy’s career has been driven by a consistent ethic: lead with integrity, focus on results, and serve something greater than yourself.
At a time of division and distrust, he remains committed to strengthening the institutions that expand opportunity, advance discovery, and unite people around shared purpose.
About Mark
Mark Kennedy is a public servant, strategist, and academic leader with a rare blend of experience across higher education, government, and business. A first-generation college graduate and former U.S. Congressman, he has led two public research universities and currently directs the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition at the Wilson Center, where he advances U.S. leadership in technology, economics, diplomacy, and defense.
He has been recognized as a bold, mission-focused leader who builds trust across disciplines and divides to solve complex national and institutional challenges.