Dr. Susan Hasseler, President of Muskingum University

Dr. Susan Hasseler, President of Muskingum University, reflects on a leadership journey shaped by generations of educators, an early commitment to students on the margins, and a career that bridged K–12 and higher education. In this episode, she shares how formative experiences, from graduate study in Chicago to international work in South Africa and the encouragement of mentors who saw presidential potential in her, helped define her approach to transformational leadership. As she nears the close of her presidency, Dr. Hasseler offers thoughtful insight on what makes a good higher education leader: curiosity, integrity, humor, and an unwavering focus on students. She also speaks candidly about building trust-centered teams, preparing future leaders through broad institutional learning, and higher education’s urgent need to demonstrate its value through meaningful action rather than rhetoric. Read the full episode transcript. Interview recorded March 2026.