Numerous women have influenced Dr. Lisa Coleman's life trajectory in higher education, including her grandmother, who broke barriers and rules, and her mother, who became the first Black woman president of the American Business Women's Association in the early 1980s.
"My mother showed me what was possible, and that you could be the first, or could create new ways of doing or being," recalls Dr. Coleman.
She credits other women, too — including poet, activist and professor June Jordan, whom she met in her 20s and who encouraged Dr. Coleman to attend graduate school.
Jordan's quote, "We are the ones we've been waiting for," remains a favorite and continues to guide Dr. Coleman's actions since becoming both the first female and the first Black president of Adler University—a milestone that resonates deeply within the academic community. She began her tenure on Sept. 1, 2024.
However, these women instilled in her the belief that leadership is not only about breaking barriers but also about creating new pathways for those who follow.
With a bold vision that aligns with the institution's legacy of excellence and advancing community well-being through systemic interventions, her focus on people, partnerships and purpose seeks to drive innovations in healthcare, expand global collaborations, and enhance Adler's role as a leader in shaping equitable and accessible wellness frameworks.
"I'm excited about our partnerships, including those with Fulbright Canada and Vancouver Community College. Plus, we’re expanding our reach through new partnerships for our online programs and certifications,” Dr. Coleman says.
“At Adler, we recognize that individual health and community well-being are deeply connected, and through our partnerships, we seek to create more equitable, supportive environments that empower people to thrive. Our collaboration with VCC exemplifies this by providing personalized assessments that address the unique challenges their students face, helping them succeed both academically and personally.”
Adler University is a nonprofit institution committed to educating practitioners to effect positive change. Its programs provide the tools and resources necessary for leaders to navigate the complex challenges of the world while promoting cultures of respect, inclusion and innovation.
"The programs we’re investing in and the opportunities for growth are truly exciting,” says Dr. Coleman. “Our Adlerian approach will guide our future collaborations with global partners as we work to address mental health challenges and create meaningful, sustainable solutions.”
With 28 master's and doctoral programs across psychology, counseling and mental health, Adler educates approximately 2,000 students annually in Vancouver, Chicago, and its online campuses.
"Graduate education is one of the underestimated parts of higher education and its alignment with work and workforce development," she adds. "We provide students placements into their practicums, giving them real-world experience that trains and prepares them in their respective fields."
With a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing communities worldwide, Dr. Coleman seeks to strengthen Adler's impact through interdisciplinary education, research and community-driven solutions.
She is committed to the idea that transformation is not just about waiting for change — it's about stepping forward to create it. Adler is cultivating a new generation of leaders dedicated to challenging traditional approaches and championing systemic change to advance health outcomes worldwide.
And in the words of June Jordan, Dr. Coleman reiterates, "The students at Adler are the ones we've been waiting for."
"We're educating the leaders of the future, and that's an amazing responsibility to have and be part of — to enable communities to thrive and get better together."
For more information on Adler University and its programs, visit adler.edu.
