Laura Skandera Trombley Explained

Laura Skandera Trombley
Order:16th
President of Southwestern University
Term Start:July 1, 2020
Predecessor:Edward Burger
Dale T. Knobel (interim)
Order1:10th
Title1:President of University of Bridgeport
Term Start1:July 1, 2018
Term End1:April 2, 2020
Predecessor1:Neil Albert Salonen
Successor1:Stephen Healey (interim)
Order2:8th
Title2:President of the Huntington Library
Term Start2:July 1, 2015
Term End2:March 28, 2017
Predecessor2:Steven S. Koblik
Successor2:Steve Hindle (acting)
Karen R. Lawrence
Order3:5th
Title3:President of Pitzer College
Term Start3:July 1, 2002
Term End3:June 30, 2015
Predecessor3:Marilyn Chapin Massey
Successor3:Thomas Poon (interim)
Melvin L. Oliver
Birth Name:Laura Elise Skandera
Nationality:American
Module:
Child:yes
Thesis Title:The charmed circle: Mark Twain, women and the integration of imagination
Thesis Url:https://www.proquest.com/docview/1560876093/
Thesis Year:1989
Doctoral Advisor:Jay Martin

Laura Skandera Trombley is an American academic administrator and scholar of Mark Twain. She is the Chair Emerita of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board[1] [2] and was the fifth President of Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and the eighth President of the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California.[3] [4] [5] In March 2018, she was named as the tenth president of University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut.[6] On April 2, 2020, Skandera Trombley was named the 16th president of Southwestern University.[7]

Early life and education

Born Laura Elise Skandera to an elementary school principal and second-grade teacher, she enrolled in Pepperdine University at the age of 16 and earned a B.A. in English and humanities by age 20. She graduated summa cum laude with a master's in English from Pepperdine University. From 1985 to 1988 she was a research associate in the American Studies department at the University of Eichstätt in Germany.[8] [9] She received a Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern California.[10]

Career

After the completion of her Ph.D., Trombley accepted a teaching position at the State University of New York at Potsdam where she earned tenure as an associate professor of English. Trombley also served as assistant provost there.[11] In 1997, she assumed the post of vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Coe College, the first woman to hold that title. She was named President of Pitzer College at age 40. She was chosen, in 2015, as the first woman President of the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Trombley became an advisor to the Board of Trustees at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in 2017 and a consultant to the Libra Foundation and Schiff Foundation.[12] [13] [14] She is an adjunct professor of the practice of English at the University of Southern California.[15]

Trombley began her Mark Twain scholarship while a USC doctoral student, with the largest find of Twain letters to date.[16] At SUNY Potsdam, she was a recipient of the 1994 SUNY Potsdam President's Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities Award.[17]

Pitzer College presidency

Trombley was inaugurated as president of Pitzer College in February 2003. In her first year in office, she made the SAT an optional criterion for admission to the college.[18]

During Trombley's presidency, Pitzer founded the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability,[19] [20] [21] the Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology in Costa Rica,[22] and the Vaccine Development Institute's partnership with the University of Botswana.[23]

During her tenure, the college's student participation in overseas study increased from 49% to 80% and over 50 student exchanges were established.[24] The admission acceptance rate declined from 56 percent to 11 percent, and the college moved up 35 places in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, from no. 70 in 2004 to no. 35 in 2014.[25] In 2012, Pitzer was named the 20th most selective higher education institution in the country by Business Insider[26] and Pitzer was the top producer of student Fulbright Fellows for five consecutive years, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.[27]

While she was president, she completed three fundraising campaigns totaling over $110 million dollars[28] and the college's endowment grew from $42 million to $133 million.[29] [30] Trombley established three endowments: the John Skandera student financial aid fund for first generation students, the Laura Skandera Trombley endowment, and the Laura Skandera Trombley Humanities and Arts Endowed Research and Internship Fund.[31] [32]

Trombley's resignation was announced in December 2014, effective June 30, 2015.[33] In June 2015, the faculty made a vote of no confidence, citing concerns about the lack of shared governance during her administration, as a "message to prospective presidential candidates that Pitzer takes issues of shared governance seriously".[34] [35]

Huntington Library presidency

In 2015 Trombley was appointed president of Huntington Library, becoming the library's first female president. In her first year, she raised $39.4 million, a $9 million increase over the previous year.[36] [37] [38] The Huntington also reached a new high of nearly 40,000 member families and 725,759 visitors.[39] [40] Trombley modified the plan for the final phase of the Chinese Garden, adding a restaurant, outdoor entertainment space, and an art gallery, and completed funding for the 20-year project, with gifts totaling $12 million.[41] In addition, she planned and received a $2.5 million gift for a Director of Research home to be built on the grounds of The Huntington, its first LEED certified building.[42]

She worked to establish internal sustainability and water conservation efforts;[43] [44] organized the first institutional sustainability summit;[45] and signed an agreement with the University of California, Riverside to subsidize the hiring of two assistant professors who will research full-time in The Huntington's collections.[46]

Trombley created the first institutional dashboard; instituted The Huntington Channel[47] to archive videos and webcasts for the public; and created the Out of the Vault Series, to heighten the Huntington's profile in the southern California region. She instituted San Marino Day and made a $5,000 gift in her father's name to honor San Marino educators.[48] [49] She negotiated a new agreement between The Huntington and USC for The Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West (ICW) and USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute (EMSI).[50] In fall 2016, the Jonathan and Karin Fielding Wing opened, a $10.3 million expansion to the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art designed by Frederick Fisher, along with a major contribution of the Fieldings' collection.[51]

University of Bridgeport presidency

On March 12, 2018, the University of Bridgeport announced Trombley would succeed Neil Salonen as president, effective July 1, 2018. During her time at Bridgeport, Trombley initiated several significant changes, including the implementation of a three-college structure, an increased focus on connecting education to career, and the creation of The Heckman Center for The Bridgeport Plan.[52]

Southwestern University presidency

On April 2, 2020, Southwestern University of Texas announced Trombley would succeed Edward Burger as president, effective July 1, 2020.

Other activity

Trombley has served on the board of the Chief Executive Organization, has been a member of The Southern California Forum of The Trusteeship of the International Women's Forum, Rotary International,[53] the Zamorano Club,[54] the Council on Foreign Relations Higher Education Working group on global issues, the Chronicle of Higher Education/New York Times Higher Education Cabinet[55] and the Council of Presidents of the Association of Governing Boards.[56] In December 2012, President Barack Obama named Trombley to the 12-member J. William Fulbright Commission that was established by the U.S. Congress to supervise the global Fulbright Program.[57] In 2014 she served as vice-chair of the commission, and on November 12, 2015, the board elected Trombley chair.[58] In March 2017 was appointed Chair of The Rhodes Trust, District 16 Committee of Selection for the Rhodes Scholarships.[59]

Honors

In 2002, Pepperdine recognized Trombley with a Distinguished Alumna Award, awarding her an honorary doctorate in 2013.[60]

In 2016, Pitzer named Skandera Hall after her, prompting outrage from students and faculty.[61]

She is the 2017 recipient of the Lou Budd Award in recognition of her contributions to the field of Mark Twain studies.[62]

Works

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pitzer College President Laura Skandera Trombley joins the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board . Pitzer College . February 12, 2013 . Anna . Chang . April 21, 2017 . April 22, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170422134818/http://pitweb.pitzer.edu/communications/2013/02/12/pitzer-college-president-laura-skandera-trombley-joins-j-william-fulbright-foreign-scholarship-board/#page=1 . dead .
  2. Web site: J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board Elects Laura Skandera Trombley as Chair, Jeffrey Bleich as Vice Chair for 2016 . U.S. Department of State . December 1, 2015. Catherine . Stearns . April 21, 2017.
  3. News: President-Elect Named for Pitzer College . Los Angeles Times . November 13, 2001 . Rebecca . Trounson . October 28, 2015.
  4. News: The Huntington to Hire Its First Female President . Pasadena Star-News . December 2, 2014 . Zen . Vuong . October 28, 2015.
  5. News: Laura Skandera Trombley is Named New President of Huntington Library . Los Angeles Times . December 3, 2014 . Mike . Boehm . October 28, 2015.
  6. Web site: University of Bridgeport names Laura Skandera Trombley as new president . Fairfield County Business Journal . March 12, 2018 . March 13, 2018.
  7. Web site: Southwestern University Names Laura E. Skandera Trombley 16th President . April 2, 2020 . April 2, 2020 . Southwestern University (Texas).
  8. Web site: General Press Kit . Huntington Library . July 2015 . April 21, 2017 . April 22, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170422124043/http://www.huntington.org/WebAssets/Templates/content.aspx?id=11328 . dead .
  9. Alumna of the Month . Fulbright Edge . 1 . 11 . February 2014 . October 28, 2015.
  10. Web site: Press Release-Laura Skandera Trombley Named President of The Huntington . The Huntington . December 2, 2014 . April 21, 2017 . April 22, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170422124853/http://www.huntington.org/WebAssets/Templates/content.aspx?id=17786 . dead .
  11. Web site: President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts. whitehouse.gov. National Archives. 20 December 2012.
  12. Web site: Dr. Laura Trombley, President of The Huntington, Steps Down - San Marino Tribune. sanmarinotribune.com.
  13. Web site: About Us - the Libra Foundation . 2017-05-16 . 2017-05-12 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170512070543/http://www.thelibrafoundation.org/about-us . dead .
  14. Web site: Schiff Foundation Fellowships - The Art Institute of Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago.
  15. Web site: Faculty Profile > USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. dornsife.usc.edu.
  16. Web site: Her New Take on Twain. Rebecca. Trounson. 17 November 2005. LA Times.
  17. http://prometheus.potsdam.edu/offices/hr/upload/Copy-of-Pres-AWards-Recipients-Oct-2011.pdf{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
  18. Web site: Pitzer College Makes SAT Optional . FairTest. October 28, 2015.
  19. Web site: Pitzer College - A Member of the Claremont Colleges. Pitzer College. 2017-05-16. 2015-09-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20150911073544/http://pitweb.pitzer.edu/divestment-climate-action-model/2014/04/12/pitzer-college-robert-redford-announce-breakthrough-fossil-fuel-divestment-climate-action-model/. dead.
  20. Web site: Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability . 2017-05-16 . 2016-09-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160925212504/http://www.pitzer.edu/redfordconservancy/photos-graphics.asp . dead .
  21. Web site: Pitzer College, Robert Redford form conservancy. https://web.archive.org/web/20121122211943/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/nov/20/local/la-me-redford-conservancy-20121120. dead. 22 November 2012. Dalina. Castellanos. 20 November 2012. LA Times.
  22. Web site: Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology at Pitzer College. www.pitzer.edu. 2015-11-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20151119233355/https://www.pitzer.edu/offices/firestone_center/happening.html. 2015-11-19. dead.
  23. Web site: Pitzer College to Ratify Vaccine Development Collaboration in Botswana. Office of Communications. November 19, 2015. November 20, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151120001106/http://pitweb.pitzer.edu/communications/2012/03/pitzer-college-ratify-vaccine-development-collaboration-botswana/. dead.
  24. Web site: Pitzer College - A Member of the Claremont Colleges. Pitzer College.
  25. Pitzer College . U.S. News & World Report . October 28, 2015.
  26. Web site: Pitzer Annual Report, 2012. 2015-11-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20140626210637/http://pitweb.pitzer.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2012-report-of-excellence-annual-report.pdf. 2014-06-26. dead.
  27. News: Top Producers of U.S. Fulbright Scholars and Students. The Chronicle of Higher Education. March 9, 2016.
  28. Web site: Archived copy . 2017-05-16 . 2016-05-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160515203142/http://pitweb.pitzer.edu/communications/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2014/05/2015_Special_Spring-Summer_Edition_Participant-web.pdf . dead .
  29. Web site: Endowment Growth. Pitzer College. October 28, 2015. November 19, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151119234654/http://pitweb.pitzer.edu/2014-summer-news/endowment-growth/. dead.
  30. News: Pitzer's Penny Pinching. Inside Higher Ed. March 18, 2014. Ry . Rivard . October 28, 2015.
  31. Web site: Named Scholarships. Pitzer College. 2015-11-19. 2015-11-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20151120003948/http://pitweb.pitzer.edu/advancement/named-scholarships/. dead.
  32. Web site: Named Endowed Funds. Pitzer College. 2015-11-19. 2015-11-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20151120001535/http://pitweb.pitzer.edu/advancement/why-giving-matters/named-endowed-funds/. dead.
  33. News: Kawar . Chance . After 13 Years, Trombley Resigns as Pitzer President . 23 January 2021 . . 5 December 2014.
  34. News: Ogami . Sean . Pitzer Faculty Vote No Confidence On President Trombley . 23 January 2021 . . 18 September 2015.
  35. Scott Jaschik. "No-Confidence Vote at Pitzer". Inside Higher Ed, June 25, 2015.
  36. http://www.huntington.org/uploadedFiles/Files/PDFs/AR15_finances.pdf
  37. Web site: Annual Report. www.huntington.org. 2017-05-16. 2017-06-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20170624010030/http://huntington.org/annualreport/. dead.
  38. Web site: The Huntington - Annual Report 2016 - Page 22-23 - Created with Publitas.com. view.publitas.com.
  39. Web site: The Huntington - Annual Report 2016 - Page 4-5 - Created with Publitas.com. view.publitas.com.
  40. Web site: Press Release - The Huntington Launches New Era in Dining, Partnering with Bon Appétit Management Co.. www.huntington.org. 2017-05-16. 2017-08-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20170810205815/http://www.huntington.org/WebAssets/Templates/content.aspx?id=22896. dead.
  41. Web site: Planning Commission Supports Modifications to The Huntington Chinese Garden, Residence - San Marino Tribune. sanmarinotribune.com.
  42. Web site: Chinese Garden News - New Year Brings Major New Funding for Chinese Garden. www.huntington.org. 2017-05-16. 2017-11-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023317/http://www.huntington.org/WebAssets/Templates/content.aspx?id=23395. dead.
  43. Web site: The Huntington - Annual Report 2016 - Page 12-13 - Created with Publitas.com. view.publitas.com.
  44. "Huntington's Underground Pipe Systems Highlight Sustainability Efforts"
  45. Web site: Huntington's Underground Pipe Systems Highlight Sustainability Efforts. Yvonne. Lee. Inside Edison.
  46. News: Huntington Library and UC Riverside Teaming Up to Hire Humanities Professors . Los Angeles Times. Larry . Gordon . October 14, 2015 . October 28, 2015.
  47. Web site: Huntington Channel. huntington.org. 2017-05-16. 2017-05-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20170502074008/http://huntington.org/channel/. dead.
  48. Web site: San Marino Day Returns On April 11 - San Marino Tribune. sanmarinotribune.com.
  49. Web site: 'San Marino Day' Adds Educational Element - San Marino Tribune. sanmarinotribune.com.
  50. Web site: Orbit Pavilion. huntington.org.
  51. Web site: Press Release - New Wing and Entrance to American Art Galleries to Open in October. www.huntington.org. 2017-05-16. 2017-02-15. https://web.archive.org/web/20170215063841/http://www.huntington.org/WebAssets/Templates/content.aspx?id=21566. dead.
  52. Web site: University of Bridgeport Appoints New Interim President . University of Bridgeport . April 2, 2020. April 2, 2020.
  53. Web site: Lord, Trombley Introduced To Community at Rotary - San Marino Tribune. sanmarinotribune.com.
  54. Web site: The Zamorano Club. www.zamoranoclubla.org.
  55. Web site: Pitzer College - A Member of the Claremont Colleges. Pitzer College.
  56. Web site: Archived copy . 2017-05-16 . 2017-11-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024817/http://agb.org/sites/default/files/legacy/u16/BP%20Workshop%20Agenda%202011.pdf . dead .
  57. Web site: President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts . December 20, 2012 . . . October 28, 2015.
  58. Web site: J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board Elects Laura Skandera Trombley as Chair, Jeffrey Bleich as Vice Chair for 2016. U.S. Department of State. 2015-12-02.
  59. Web site: District Regions - The Rhodes Scholarships. www.rhodesscholar.org.
  60. Honorary Degree Recipients Education Division. Colleague. Pepperdine University. Fall 2013. 30. 2. October 28, 2015. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112141/http://colleague.pepperdine.edu/2014/02/honorary-degree-recipients-education-division/. dead.
  61. News: Rod . Marc . Pitzer Students, Faculty Outraged Over Skandera Hall Dedication . 11 May 2021 . . 16 September 2016.
  62. Web site: "MARK TWAIN & LIBATION": A TALK BY THE 2017 LOUIS J. BUDD AWARD WINNER . “MARK TWAIN & LIBATION”: A TALK BY THE 2017 LOUIS J. BUDD AWARD WINNER . 14 August 2017 . Mark Twain Studies . 16 June 2021.

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