Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education, recently announced this year’s recipients of the Richard Guarasci and Eduardo J. Padrón Awards for Presidential Leadership. The annual awards are presented to presidents or chancellors from four-year institutions and community colleges, respectively, who have exemplified a deep and sustained commitment to civic and community engagement throughout their careers.
Mary K. Grant, president of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, received the 2026 Richard Guarasci Award for Presidential Leadership.
Dr. Grant’s career in higher education spans more than three decades. She previously served as chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Asheville and as president of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Earlier, she served in leadership roles at Bridgewater State University, the University of Massachusetts Boston, and the University of Massachusetts President’s Office. Dr. Grant has also served as president of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.
Dr. Grant received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and Ph.D. from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.
Julie White, chancellor and CEO of Pierce College District in Washington, received the 2026 Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Presidential Leadership.
Throughout her career, Dr. White has served at a variety of institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and research universities with roles in teaching, student services, academic administration, research administration, health education, and women’s services. She first joined Pierce College in 2019 as president of the Fort Steilacoom campus and was promoted to district chancellor in 2023.
Dr. White earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature from Miami University in Ohio, a master’s degree in counseling from Xavier University in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Rochester in New York.