The Adler University Board of Trustees unanimously elected Susan L. MacLaurin, CFA, as its new chair and Kathleen St. Louis Caliento, Ph.D., as vice chair during its February meeting. Both will assume their new roles officially in May.
"Susan and Kathleen's deep understanding of the institution, combined with their strategic vision, will help drive initiatives that support our students, alumni, and the communities we serve," said Adler President Lisa Coleman, Ph.D. "As we look toward our future, their guidance will be instrumental in advancing our work to address systemic health challenges, with a strong focus on fostering connections between our campuses in Canada and the United States."
Having recently retired as chief communications officer at QuadReal, a global real estate company based in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, with assets under management of $89 billion (Canadian), MacLaurin has nearly four decades of extensive experience in real estate, investment management, and nonprofit governance. She has served on Adler's Board since November 2022.
"I am honoured to step into the role of chair. As a trustee, I've seen firsthand how deeply the faculty, staff, and students of Adler University are committed to one another's success. Their dedication to building a strong, supportive community will be at the heart of our continued progress," said MacLaurin, who is also a Trustee Emeritus at Bryn Mawr College. "I'm excited to work with my fellow trustees, President Coleman, and the Adler community to support our students as they develop the skills and perspectives needed to lead with impact."
In October 2023, MacLaurin was honored by Vancouver's business and philanthropic community for her long list of professional and personal achievements, specifically as a catalyst for change in her commitment to advancing women in their professional endeavors.
She succeeds Noland Joiner, who has served as chair of the Board since 2022 and has been named a Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his significant contributions. In this advisory, nonvoting role, he will continue to support the Board, participate in committees, and represent the University at various events and in the community.
Since joining the Board in 2014, Joiner has helped lead several transformative initiatives, including the launch of the Online Campus (2015), the purchase of the Chicago campus (2016), and the construction of the Vancouver campus (2017). He also played a key role in the institution's renaming (2015), its first comprehensive fundraising campaign (2021), and navigating financial and workforce challenges during the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Joiner has also supported the expansion of the University's institutes and centers, as well as strengthened strategic partnerships with community organizations in Chicago. In 2017, he leveraged his personal journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as an opportunity to raise funds for the University's work in Back of the Yards and Englewood.
Serving as the new vice chair, Dr. Caliento, who joined the Board in February 2021, is a leader in education, workforce development, and economic empowerment. Currently serving as president and CEO of the Cara Collective in Chicago, her career spans nonprofit leadership, policy, and education, with a focus on expanding opportunities for individuals and communities.
"Throughout my career, I have witnessed how education and opportunity can drive meaningful change," said Dr. Caliento. "Our students are tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time. At Adler, we have a responsibility to equip them with the knowledge and experiences that will empower them to create meaningful change in their fields and beyond."
Dr. Caliento is deeply committed to civic leadership and community engagement. In addition to her role on the Adler University Board of Trustees, she also holds a seat on the Leadership Greater Chicago LFA Board.
Nicola Idehen, the current vice chair, will serve an additional term on the Board. She became a member in 2019 and was elected vice chair in 2022. In 2023, she led an 11- month national search as chair of the Presidential Search Committee, ultimately securing President Coleman to lead the institution into the future. Idehen has been a dedicated fundraiser for the University, leveraging her extensive professional network to expand donor engagement and financial support.
"I want to sincerely thank Noland and Nicola for their leadership and dedication to Adler University," said President Coleman. "Noland's strategic guidance has helped shape the University's growth, and Nicola's commitment has strengthened our community in meaningful ways. Their leadership has left a lasting impact, and I look forward to their continued involvement in Adler's future."
