Academic Leadership
Transforming Institutions, Expanding Opportunity, Delivering Results
“In every institution I’ve led—from Congress to university systems to global initiatives—I’ve built teams that align around shared purpose and deliver lasting results. All institutions are in the talent business. Those that thrive build trust, attract exceptional people, and create cultures that empower them.”
Mark Kennedy is a scholar-practitioner who has led public universities, civic institutions, and national strategy initiatives through transformation—building trust, aligning mission with results, and expanding opportunity for students of all backgrounds. A first-generation college graduate, Kennedy brings a personal understanding of how education can change a life. His leadership is grounded in accountability, strategic clarity, and commitment to the public good.
He served as president of the University of North Dakota (UND) and the University of Colorado (CU) system, where he was named President Emeritus and rated as “Exceeds Expectations” in performance reviews. At both institutions, he led measurable gains in access, graduation outcomes, research, and institutional resilience.
Strategic Transformation Across Institutions
- At UND, Kennedy launched a bold strategic plan that set the university on a path toward R1 research status, improved graduation rates by 10 points, and revitalized infrastructure during a major state budget downturn. The plan set UND on a path to be honored with the American Council on Education’s 2022 Award for Institutional Transformation, one of the highest national recognitions for systemic progress.
- At CU, Kennedy led a $5 billion system through the COVID-19 crisis, navigating a $396 million shortfall while holding net tuition flat for four consecutive years. He guided the development and unanimous Board approval of an inclusive, metrics-based strategic plan. During his tenure, CU achieved a record high in research funding ($1.4B) and raised $455M in his final year. CU was selected to host one of the nation’s first NSF AI Research Institutes.
Expanding Opportunity: Access, Belonging, and Results
Kennedy has consistently broadened access for first-generation, rural, and underserved students. At CU and UND, he:
- Increased graduation rates across all student groups
- Held net tuition flat for four consecutive years at CU
- Directed over $11M in pandemic-related funding to support academic success and rural access
- Strengthened community college and tribal transfer pathways through national initiatives
- Granted in-state tuition to tribal students and issued CU’s first Indigenous land acknowledgment
- Rejoined civic events like MLK Day at UND to foster community belonging
- Led a respectful, NCAA mandated transition to the "Fighting Hawks" team name at UND
- Earned a "Green" free speech rating from FIRE at both UND and CU
- Organized a Constitution Day forum with three other university presidents from diverse perspectives to highlight the Constitution’s role in higher education
- He consistently anchored leadership in compliance with constitutional principles, board direction, and equal treatment under the law.
Research, Innovation & Economic Impact
- Under Kennedy’s leadership, CU reached a record $1.4 billion in sponsored research funding. His leadership helped advance interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine, engineering, and data science, including support for one of five NSF AI Institutes housed at CU. At UND, he repositioned the university to achieve R1 research status, supported seed grants, and advocated for over $100M in state investment in research across North Dakota's universities. He forged partnerships that extended research into economic development and workforce pipelines.
Healthcare & Academic Medicine
Kennedy has led and supported top-tier medical education and research at two flagship universities. As President of CU, he oversaw the nationally renowned Anschutz Medical Campus, guiding its growth in research funding, clinical excellence, and precision medicine. He served on the board of the University of Colorado Hospital—an NCI-designated cancer center and the flagship of UCHealth—and supported faculty recruitment and clinical partnerships. At UND, he championed the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, expanded rural and Indigenous healthcare pathways, and increased state investment in medical education and biosciences.
Governance and Stewardship in Divided Times
- When a nonbinding faculty censure vote emerged on one campus in a politically charged moment as party control of the Regnents changed for the first time in forty years, Kennedy chose institutional stability over personal position. He facilitated a dignified transition, avoiding public division. The Board of Regents unanimously approved the strategic plan he developed and later named him President Emeritus. At both UND and CU, he was recognized for strengthening trust, staying mission-focused, and leading with integrity.
Scholarly Impact & Intellectual Leadership
- Kennedy’s academic contributions span non-market strategy, global governance, and strategic competition. His book Shapeholders (Columbia University Press) has been taught at leading institutions and informed executive education around the world. As Director of the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition, he advances U.S. leadership on technology, trade, energy, and development—convening global policy dialogues and influencing national strategy. His scholarship bridges theory and practice, with thought leadership presented at Harvard, the WTO, global policy forums and top business and policy schools in over 20 countries. Whether writing, teaching, or speaking, Kennedy is recognized for distilling complex dynamics into frameworks that shape public and institutional decision-making.
Global Engagement & Teaching
- Kennedy taught or lectured on five continents and led global immersion programs for students. At George Washington University, he directed the Graduate School of Political Management and developed residencies that took students to major world capitals. He brought global insights into the classroom and institutional strategy.
Leadership Development & Team Building
- Kennedy is known for building and empowering high-performing teams that endure. At both CU and UND, he brought together seasoned leaders and new talent, forging unified teams aligned around shared strategic priorities. He fostered a culture of clarity, accountability, and collaboration—elevating diverse voices in leadership while maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellence in every hire.
Building Institutions That Shape the Future
Kennedy’s leadership extends beyond existing institutions. He has also founded durable, purpose-driven organizations that address strategic gaps:
- Created to help the U.S. respond to great-power competition by integrating tech, trade, alliances, and governance. WISC engages senior policymakers, global scholars, and think tanks to strengthen national strategy and talent pipelines.
- Launched to elevate civic dialogue on global economic policy and free trade. The Club hosts high-profile speakers and created the Bill Frenzel Champion of Free Trade Award, the nation’s only such recognition.
Thematic Impact
Institutional Leadership
Record of Scholarship
🎤 Related Keynotes — Academic Leadership
📊 Academic Leadership by the Numbers
- Led 2 public research universities led (CU and UND)
- $1.4B in annual research at CU
- $455 million annual fundraising at CU
- $5 billion budget at CU
- 4 years of flat net tuition at CU
- Launched path to R1 research status at UND
- 10-point increase in graduation rates at UND
- $500M+ campus revitalization at UND
- FIRE “green light” rating at CU and UND
- Directed GSPM at GWU with global programming
- 7 scholarships funded by Mark & Debbie Kennedy