Academic Leader

Mark Kennedy’s academic leadership spans a decade of service as president of two public research universities, director and professor at a graduate school, and global lecturer and scholar. He is known for leading institutions through transformation—expanding access, elevating research, advancing inclusive excellence, and sustaining public trust during times of disruption. Grounded in mission and focused on results, Kennedy believes that public universities are engines of social mobility, civic renewal, and national competitiveness.

Kennedy developed and led system-wide strategic planning processes at both the University of North Dakota (UND) and the University of Colorado (CU), resulting in widely embraced roadmaps that focused institutional energy on measurable goals. These plans incorporated broad stakeholder engagement and provided the vision to guide campuses through cultural, fiscal, and operational transformation.

As a first-generation college graduate, Kennedy made student success a moral and strategic priority. At CU, he froze net tuition for four consecutive years. Both CU and UND expanded online access, increased completion rates across all demographics, and strengthened support pipelines for underserved, rural, and first-generation students. He and his wife Debbie personally funded scholarships at each institution he served.

Under Kennedy’s leadership, CU reached a record $1.4 billion in sponsored research funding. At UND, he repositioned the university to achieve R1 research status, supported seed grants, and advocated for over $100M in state investment in research across North Dakota's universities. He forged partnerships that extended research into economic development and workforce pipelines.

Kennedy focused on structural change over symbolism. He expanded access and improved outcomes, broadened leadership diversity across race, gender, and orientation, and led initiatives such as CU Denver’s Hispanic-Serving Institution designation and UND’s respectful transition from the Sioux name. His approach emphasized alignment with institutional mission and constitutional clarity.

At both CU and UND, Kennedy was a champion of shared governance, transparent communication, and free speech. He led both institutions to earn FIRE's "green light" rating for commitment to free expression—a distinction held by just over 60 universities nationally. He worked with faculty and board leadership to strengthen governance processes and safeguard academic freedom.

Kennedy taught or lectured on five continents and led global immersion programs for students. At George Washington University, he directed the Graduate School of Political Management and developed residencies that took students to major world capitals. He brought global insights into the classroom and institutional strategy.

Known for building high-performing teams, Kennedy aligned cabinet and campus leaders with strategic priorities and empowered them with clear accountability. He encouraged diverse voices in leadership while insisting on excellence in every hire.