Adler University President Lisa M. Coleman, Ph.D., has been named one of Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Leaders in Education for 2025 — a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary women who are shaping the future of education across North America.
The annual list honors leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social impact. President Coleman appears alongside an accomplished group of individuals, including those from Northern Illinois University, Google, Duke University, and the University of Michigan. Together, these honorees reflect the power and possibility of education to drive meaningful progress across communities, institutions, and global systems.
“Being recognized alongside such extraordinary leaders is a profound honor,” said Dr. Coleman. “Education is one of the most transformative forces in the world — shaping individual lives and strengthening the systems and communities upon which we all depend. As we look to the future, investing in education and wellness systems are essential to creating healthier, more connected societies. I’m deeply grateful to lead an institution like Adler University, where this work is advanced every day.”
Since joining Adler University as president in 2024, Dr. Coleman has built on the institution’s long-standing commitment to wellness, and global community partnerships built through co-creation and innovative strategies focused on the individual and the collective. Under her leadership, Adler is sharpening its focus on global health and wellness, social systems change, expanding ‘glocal’ community partnerships, and laying the foundation for the next era of impact at Adler and beyond. Dr. Coleman’s vision is rooted in innovation, access, and bold thinking, preparing the next generation of leaders, scholars, and practitioners to drive progress at every level of society.
Women We Admire celebrates educators across K–12, higher education, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations who are pushing boundaries, dismantling systemic barriers, and equipping future generations to thrive in an increasingly complex world. President Coleman’s inclusion affirms Adler’s growing influence — and is a recognition of the much needed work to create healthier societies today for our future collective well-being.
