Antioch University has announced that its next President will be Lori Erica Varlotta, PhD. Varlotta brings a strong vision for progressive education and a deep commitment to Antioch’s mission of promoting social, racial, environmental, and economic justice. Under her leadership, Antioch and the Coalition for the Common Good will continue expanding their impact on democracy, sustainability, and equity through education. Varlotta will officially start on August 11, 2025.
“Lori Varlotta is an inspiring leader who truly lives Antioch’s mission,” says Katrin Dambrot, Chair of the Board of Governors. “She will work closely with the Board, faculty, staff, and students to strengthen democracy, expand access to education, and champion the common good.”
Varlotta is excited for the role and deeply inspired by Antioch’s history of “winning victories for humanity.” She says, “In today’s divided world, it’s more important than ever to lead with generosity, curiosity, and respect. I can’t wait to work with Antioch’s community to keep these values at the center of our teaching and learning.”
The Antioch Presidency, which also includes serving as Executive Vice President of the Coalition for the Common Good (CCG), offers major opportunities to model courageous academic leadership nationally. “I’ve known Lori for nearly 15 years,” says John Comerford, PhD, President of both the CCG and of Otterbein University. “She’s innovative and sees possibilities where others see limits. She’s the perfect person to help move the Coalition forward.”
Varlotta finds the possibilities ahead compelling. She says, “When you combine Antioch’s history, its future-focused leadership in the Coalition, and its commitment to confronting today’s challenges, Antioch is ready to stand as a national educational leader modeling what democracy can look like in this richly diverse mid-21st-century world. There is no position that could more powerfully call upon my life’s work than this one.”
As part of the announcement, Antioch created an Incoming President webpage that includes a biography of Varlotta, selected thought leadership, and the video introduction that was shared with the Antioch community. Varlotta was also interviewed on the Seed Field Podcast, where she discussed her enthusiasm for the work of being President of Antioch University, how her background has prepared her for the role, and why she believes “this is the time” for Antioch to proudly embody its values.
Varlotta is currently a Distinguished Professor of Higher Education Leadership at California Lutheran University, where she served as President from August 2020 to June 2024. Prior to her work at Cal Lutheran, she served as President of Hiram College in Ohio from July 2014 to August 2020. Before these two presidencies, Varlotta was Senior Vice President at Cal State University, Sacramento, where her portfolio included student affairs, enrollment management, diversity and belonging, and strategic planning. She served at Sacramento State from 2003-2014. Varlotta’s career in higher education began in 1985 when she became a residence hall director, and she has been in higher education since then.
Varlotta succeeds William R. Groves, JD, who has served as Antioch University’s Chancellor since April 2016. Groves was first hired in 2010 to establish the Office of General Counsel for the University and served as Vice Chancellor and General Counsel from 2010 to 2016, when he assumed the chancellorship. Prior, he served as an outside University Counsel for Antioch from 1979 to 2010.
