Judith L. Kuipers, PhD - President, 2000-2009 [back to main Giving page]

President Kuipers has announced her retirement from Fielding Graduate University and a long, distinguished career in higher education. Throughout her career, she has served as a catalyst for empowerment and positive change for individuals, organizations, and communities around the world.

A Stellar Career
Dr. Kuipers earned her PhD in human development and early education from Michigan State University.

Among her appointments prior to Fielding are:

• Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
• Vice President for Academic Affairs at California State University, Fresno
• Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Oregon State University.

She was also an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow and received a Fulbright Award to examine higher education in the new German states.

Notable Contributions to Fielding
At Fielding, and elsewhere, Kuipers is noted for enhancing all aspects of the life of the university, among them academic quality, institutional advancement, and student services, as well as expanding international programs. She has promoted creative collaborations among higher education, business, service organizations, and government, and has been an active participant in the civic life of every community in which she has lived.

Retirement in Spring 2009
President Kuipers has pledged to "leave Fielding with a sustainable presidency in all of the areas in which sustainability is required: the university's programs, finances, operations, and structures. This will position Fielding Graduate University—with its important, meaningful mission—to move competently and confidently into the next era of leadership."

Accordingly, Kuipers has made increasing financial support and the building of the Fielding endowment a top priority for the balance of her presidency.

In a fitting tribute to her rich legacy, Fielding announces the President Judith L. Kuipers Endowment Campaign, continuing until her retirement in the spring of 2009.