Expanding Opportunity for All
Dedicated to Expanding Opportunity—One Person, One Institution, One Nation at a Time
I picked strawberries, washed dishes, and pumped gas to become the first boy in my family to graduate from college. America never promised me success, but it gave me a chance. I’ve spent my life making sure others get the same chance I did.
A Purpose That Runs Through Every Chapter
- I was raised one of seven children by a homemaker and a small-town insurance agent in rural Minnesota. Those early years taught me the value of hard work, fairness, and faith in others. They also shaped a lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity—especially for those who start with little more than grit and determination.
- That same commitment has guided me across every chapter of my journey. In business, I worked to grow careers and navigate complex transitions. In Congress, I focused on education, trade, and expanding access to healthcare—especially in rural communities. As president of two public universities, I led through challenges while working to hold tuition flat, improve graduation outcomes, and open new doors for first-generation and working-class students. And now, in my current work, I focus on helping the next generation inherit a world where freedom and opportunity still flourish.
My Current Work – Strategic Policy for a Changing World
- Today, I serve as the Founding Director of the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition (WISC), a privately funded, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to strengthening democratic resilience through trusted technology, economic resilience, strategic infrastructure, and modern alliances.
- We focus on ensuring the United States and its allies are equipped to lead in a world defined by interdependence and rising authoritarian pressure. This work builds on decades of experience at the intersection of policy, innovation, and education—and continues my commitment to creating systems that serve people.
Leading in Higher Education
- Higher education has played a central role in my life—from being the first boy in my family to earn a degree, to leading two public university systems through transformative times.
- Along the way, my wife Debbie and I funded scholarships for rural students like us—because we know how life-changing just one opportunity can be.
A Commitment to Public Service
- Service has been a through line in my work—whether in Congress, the university presidency, or policy strategy. I’ve always believed that leadership means listening first, respecting others, and focusing on results that improve lives.
- That’s why I worked across the aisle in Congress, founded the Economic Club of Minnesota to foster civic dialogue, and continue to convene global thinkers to explore how we can empower individuals, strengthen nations, and build trusted alliances amid digital disruption and geopolitical competition. Every platform I’ve had has been used to lift others—especially those who haven’t yet had their chance.
Staying Grounded, Looking Ahead
- I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or having all the answers. It’s about staying grounded in values, showing up in moments that matter, and keeping your compass pointed toward service. That’s how I try to lead.