As the president and chief executive officer of DeVry University, Elise Awwad, said that regularly meeting with students and witnessing their personal and professional transformations reminds her of the tangible impact DeVry University makes. “Whether I’m attending graduations, leading listening tours, or simply engaging in casual conversations with students and staff, these moments ground me in our purpose,” she said. “They reignite my energy by showcasing how our work opens doors for individuals and communities that might otherwise be overlooked.”
DeVry University, founded in 1931, specializes in undergraduate and graduate programs across six key areas: accounting; business; healthcare; technology; liberal arts; and media arts and technology. Awwad, a two-time Titan 100, is the first female leader in DeVry’s storied 93-year history.
Under her leadership over the past three years, DeVry has embraced innovation and strategic partnerships, emphasizing student success. Signature initiatives include the Women+Tech Scholars Program, which offers mentorship, financial support and practical experiences to empower students for in-demand careers. Another standout is the dual enrollment program with Chicago Public Schools, which enables high school students to earn college credit and graduate with associate degrees.
Awwad also spearheaded collaborations with 1871, a leading Chicago tech incubator, providing students with hands-on exposure to entrepreneurial and technological ecosystems. In 2023, the university established its AI Innovation Lab and refreshed hundreds of courses to include AI, cybersecurity and digital health, earning recognition as a top 100 finalist for the Chicago Innovation Awards.
Awwad’s vision for DeVry aligns with the evolving workforce demands, ensuring students develop not only technical skills but also human-centered “durable” skills to thrive in AI-driven industries. Her leadership has kept tuition rates frozen for five consecutive years, balancing affordability with academic excellence.
In addition to institutional achievements, Awwad’s leadership philosophy is rooted in active listening and authentic engagement. Early in her tenure, she conducted listening tours to better understand the needs of students, faculty and staff. “When people feel that their work is part of something bigger, it builds shared enthusiasm,” she said. “My goal is to foster a culture of innovation, unity and speed—one where passion naturally follows purpose.”
Awwad is equally committed to mentorship and community service. She actively supports aspiring leaders, particularly women aiming for executive roles, and champions DeVry’s Ready Now program, which prepares internal talent for leadership. Externally, she contributes to organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where she recently judged the Midwest Youth of the Year competition.
Over the last year, Awwad said her greatest leadership lesson has been the impact of active listening and authentic engagement. “I’ve learned that the most powerful strategies and solutions emerge when leaders genuinely listen and involve voices from across the organization—students, faculty, staff and even our external partners,” she said.