BW's new president aims to boost student success and regional influence

A New Vision for Baldwin Wallace University

Berea, Ohio — Whether it's tossing a Frisbee, grabbing a slice of pizza, or biking across campus, new Baldwin Wallace University President Lee Fisher is making it clear that he's not just available — he's present. With a bold vision for the university’s future, Fisher is diving headfirst into his role as president.

Fisher brings a wealth of experience in public service and higher education to the position. He previously served as Ohio’s lieutenant governor and as dean of Cleveland State University’s College of Law. His deep understanding of both sectors has prepared him well for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

One of the key reasons Fisher chose Baldwin Wallace was its mission and outcomes-driven culture. “I was drawn to BW for its unwavering commitment to the student experience that creates career and lifetime success for its graduates,” he said. “A big part of our work will be to strengthen the success BW already has in character and leadership development, community connections through experiential learning, and career readiness.”

Last year, 94 percent of BW graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. However, Fisher believes there is room for even greater achievement. “We aim even higher,” he said. “I believe BW is poised to redefine what’s possible, and I’m honored to help lead the charge toward a bold, sustainable future that can be a model for higher education.”

Before officially stepping into the presidency on July 1, Fisher spent several months meeting with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to better understand the university’s culture and strengths. Now, he’s putting those insights into action with a focused start to his tenure.

“Over the past several months during my onboarding as president, I have prioritized listening and learning across campus,” he said. “That work has positioned me to begin my first 100 days with clarity and focus. Now, I’m excited to turn the page and look to the future.”

Student Success as a Priority

Fisher emphasized that students are always his top priority. “They are my North Star,” he said. “To that end, I am leading fundraising efforts that will help transform BW into an even stronger, more distinctive university.”

He also plans to deepen faculty and staff collaboration by strengthening channels for dialogue and feedback. “I will be sharing my vision with the BW community in the near future. They deserve to hear it first.”

With BW preparing to celebrate its 180th anniversary this fall, Fisher sees the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the past while pushing forward into a more agile, career-focused future. “As BW celebrates a milestone 180th birthday this fall, we’re going to listen to the marketplace, stay grounded in our mission, and get creative with our vision,” he said. “It’s an exciting time to write the next chapter of our story, which will remain centered on student success.”

By 2030, Fisher envisions BW as the premier regional university for career-ready, leader-ready, future-ready graduates.

Experiential Learning and Inclusion

Fisher highlighted BW’s commitment to experiential education and practical skill-building as one of the university’s greatest assets. From the start of a student’s college journey, he wants those connections to career, character, and community to be clear and intentional.

“BW has a robust menu of student success support programs in place, and no matter what major a student chooses, we are looking to grow character and leadership development, community connections through experiential learning, and career readiness — from day one,” he said.

He pointed to BW’s founding history as a university committed to inclusion and said that value continues to shape campus culture and student experience today. “BW was founded with a groundbreaking commitment to inclusion,” Fisher said. “One-hundred-and-eighty years later, that commitment is unwavering. We promote meaningful belonging, civil dialogue, and cultural understanding within our community.”

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Beyond campus, Fisher hopes to deepen BW’s already strong role in the Berea community and across Northeast Ohio. Through service programs, business outreach, and partnerships with local employers, he said the university is a vital part of the region’s growth and resilience.

“We aspire to be Northeast Ohio’s most reliable talent pipeline for young leaders with character and grit,” he said. “Students perform thousands of hours of community service through our Brain Center for Community Outreach, Circle K Service Club, fraternities and sororities, and other organizations.”

Fisher also emphasized the importance of personal connection with students. “Look for Lunches with Lee, Frisbee with Fisher, and Pizza with the Prez,” he said. “I will be where the students are.”

Facing Challenges and Opportunities

While excited about what lies ahead, Fisher is realistic about the challenges facing higher education. A steep decline in the number of high school graduates over the next several years means institutions like BW must evolve quickly and strategically.

“The demographic cliff is real — Ohio will see a 15 percent decline in high school graduates by 2030,” he said. “But this creates an opportunity for institutions that adapt quickly and effectively. I believe BW is well-positioned to lead change and to develop a roadmap to evolve into a next-level institution.”

Fisher’s first few weeks in office also coincide with strong momentum on the philanthropic front. He said the university just wrapped up a record-setting fundraising campaign that will soon fund new opportunities for students.

“Just as I formally took office on July 1, BW wrapped up an extraordinarily successful year-end fundraising campaign, demonstrating a vote of confidence from the university’s alumni, friends, and supporters,” he said. “The most immediate and impactful initiative to come from that will be the announcement of a new scholarship program. You’ll be hearing more about that very soon.”

As BW begins its next chapter, Fisher said he’s filled with optimism and ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion. “Higher education and — more broadly — the region need BW, which means BW needs to lead. We are energized and ready to do just that.”