After a nationwide search, Chicago Scholars has selected Dr. Leah Fulton as their new Vice President of Programs.
Dr. Fulton holds a PhD in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. She brings 16 years of hands-on experience in higher education leadership to Chicago Scholars, where she will oversee college access and college success programming. Dr. Fulton’s research and publishing focuses on the leadership experiences of students of color, relationships between Black and white women in higher education, and motherhood in higher education.
Previously, Dr. Fulton served as Assistant Dean of Students at University of St. Thomas, Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel College, and is the founder and principal consultant at Project 51.
In her transition to Chicago Scholars, Dr. Fulton is leaving her position as Vice President for Student Life at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. Trinity Christian College is a Gold Plus Partner of Chicago Scholars.
“The last three years at Trinity have been incredibly formative for me in my leadership journey,” Dr. Fulton said. “The shared ambitions between Trinity and Chicago Scholars to address higher education’s most pervasive challenges by centering student wellbeing and college success as a matter of economic justice makes for meaningful connections and a sensible transition from one organization to the next.”
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Fulton join the Chicago Scholars staff,” said Chicago Scholars CEO Jeffery Beckham, Jr. “She brings so much experience and insight into the student experience, especially the experiences of students of color. She will be an asset to our Scholars across our program.”
Dr. Fulton will take her new position on August 5, 2025.
