MANCHESTER, NH – Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) announced Monday that its Board of Trustees has approved a five‑year contract extension for President Lisa Marsh Ryerson through June 2030. Ryerson, who was appointed to a two-year term that began on July 1, 2024, will now lead the university under this extended commitment.
“Over the past year, Lisa has brought remarkable discipline, care and purpose to her role, leading the university through a pivotal time in SNHU’s history,” said Winnie Lerner, Board Chair, SNHU Board of Trustees. “Lisa leads with our mission at the forefront of every decision, lives our core values, and continues to advocate fiercely for all learners. The Board is confident that Lisa’s continued leadership will help SNHU remain resilient, learner-centered and future-focused.”
Under Ryerson’s leadership in her first year as president, SNHU developed a new strategic practice, launched a professional skills website that includes a Credit For Prior Learning-approved micro-credential, and helped inform important higher education research and policy recommendations. By using her platform as an industry leader, Ryerson has deepened SNHU’s commitment to access and equity by calling for improved higher ed systems for all and increased basic needs funding to support student success.
“I am deeply honored by the Board of Trustees’ decision to extend my service as president of Southern New Hampshire University,” President Ryerson said. “It is a privilege to lead this incredible community of colleagues who are passionately committed to transforming lives through education. At SNHU, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn across their lifespan. Through our new strategic plan and ongoing commitment to learner-centered design, we are evolving our systems in response to what students tell us they need. Together, we will continue to build community and connection — wherever our learners are — and remain steadfast in our mission to create meaningful, workforce-relevant learning experiences that help our learners reach their goals.”
Ryerson became SNHU’s sixth president after serving two years as university provost, and six years on SNHU’s Board of Trustees. During her time as provost, Ryerson unified SNHU’s campus and online academic programs with student services, aligning admissions, advising, and financial aid into one cohesive learner‑centered academic experience team.
Her wealth of experience also includes nearly nine years as president of the AARP Foundation, where she led partnerships that generated over $5 billion in income for vulnerable older adults in a single three‑year plan. Prior to that, Ryerson served as president and CEO of Wells College.
Ryerson holds a B.A. in English from Wells College and an M.S. in Education/Literacy from SUNY Cortland and has received multiple honorary doctorates — including from SNHU, SUNY Albany, SUNY Cortland, and Dickinson College.
Ryerson, a proud mother and grandmother, lives in Manchester with her husband, George.