Donna Shalala
Trustee Professor of Political Science and Health Policy
Miami Connection
As President of the University of Miami from 2001 to 2015, Shalala expanded research initiatives, enhanced the health system, and boosted the university's national rankings, driving economic and educational growth in South Florida. Her 2018-2021 tenure as Congresswoman for Florida's 27th district, encompassing over half of Miami, focused on education, labor, health policy, and LGBT equality, advocating for local solar energy and community needs in a heavily Latino area. Her ongoing role as Trustee Professor continues to influence policy and leadership training in Miami.
About
Donna Shalala is a renowned political scientist and academic with a Ph.D. from Syracuse University, having held leadership roles at Hunter College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Columbia University. She served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 1993 to 2001 under President Clinton, the longest tenure in that role, and later as President of the Clinton Foundation from 2015 to 2017. From 2001 to 2015, she was President of the University of Miami, significantly elevating its profile and academic standing. In 2018, she was elected as U.S. Representative for Florida's 27th district, covering much of Miami, serving one term until 2021. She briefly served as interim president of The New School in New York from 2023 to 2024. Currently, she is Trustee Professor of Political Science and Health Policy at the University of Miami, teaching in programs like the Executive MBA.