Elise Awwad

Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University, is recognized as an innovative leader shaping the future of higher education. A passionate advocate for the role education plays in supporting career advancement for all learner populations, she is known for her commitment to breaking down barriers and driving cultural transformation. As president and CEO, Ms. Awwad advances DeVry’s mission to align education with critical workforce needs, directing the university’s strategy to ensure current and future students can realize their career ambitions through in-demand degree programs. She has committed significant time and resources to addressing the urgent need to reskill the workforce as it is reshaped by technology and automation.Ms. Awwad’s leadership and vision have resulted in substantial investments in student success, including a multi-year tuition freeze and expanded grants and scholarships. She previously served as DeVry’s chief operating officer, where she redefined student support with a focus on comprehensive academic success and lifelong professional development. In that role, she earned recognition from industry observers for her innovative use of technology and operational excellence, leading to consistent and sustained improvements in student outcomes. Having experienced firsthand what students need to succeed, Ms. Awwad became DeVry’s first female president and CEO in 2023. Her deep commitment to student success and learner outcomes remains a central driver of her leadership.Having spent most of her life in Chicago and the Chicagoland area, Ms. Awwad has dedicated significant time and energy to strengthening the local community through civic engagement. She serves as a national trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with a focus on clubs throughout the Midwest region. She is also a board director for the Chicago Area Runners Association, Chicago’s preeminent running community, which provides accessible opportunities for runners to learn, connect, volunteer, train, and compete.Ms. Awwad is a two-time recipient of the Titan 100 Chicago award (2023 and 2024), which recognizes the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in their industries. She is also a founding member of Chief, a private network for women in leadership, and an active member and board director of the International Women’s Forum Chicago, a global organization dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and championing equity.