UNIVERISTY OF LA VERNE PRESIDENT JOINS ESTEEMED BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEDICATED TO MAKING EDUCATION ACC

President Pardis Mahdavi joins other esteemed educators on the Lumina Foundation Board of Directors
 
University of La Verne’s 19th President, Pardis Mahdavi, PhD, was welcomed onto the Lumina Foundation’s Board of Directors this month. This foundation works to ensure 60 percent of adults have a college degree, certificate, industry certification, or other credential of value by 2025. Additionally, the foundation seeks to be inclusive of Black, Hispanic, Latino, and Native American adults whose educational opportunities are often limited. 

“We are honored that President Mahdavi is serving on Lumina’s board,” said University of La Verne Board Chair Anthony R. Revier. “Our respective organizations are strengthened by the shared resources and talented individuals who work hard to make education in this country attainable and equitable.” 
As an advocate for equal opportunities in education and a lifelong learner, Mahdavi’s drive to extend educational opportunities to adults of every demographic makes her an ideal board member who will continue bringing the foundation’s vision to life. 

“We are excited to have President Mahdavi join our board,” said Lumina Board Chair Alisa Miller. “Her breadth of experience and dedication to making education possible after high school for more Americans is a great asset. We look forward to her leadership, guidance, and counsel.” 

Mahdavi has spent more than 20 years in higher education. Prior to joining the University of La Verne, she served as the provost and executive vice president at the University of Montana. She previously held deanships at Arizona State University and the University of Denver, as well as several leadership positions at Pomona College. 

Her career has focused on strengthening education, institutions, and opportunities for students through the lens of democracy, diversity, and service. Colleagues and industry leaders characterize Mahdavi as an inclusive, forward-thinking, and experienced leader. She has a significant track record of success in developing relationships, strategic planning, identifying new resources, and advancing organizational efficiency and opportunities for students.   

“President Mahdavi’s wisdom and experience will contribute significantly to Lumina’s mission of creating a stronger nation,” said Jamie Merisotis, Lumina’s president and CEO. “With her counsel, Lumina’s board can ensure that more people achieve economic mobility through education after high school. 

In addition to being a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a fellow at the Social Sciences Research Council, the American Council at Learned Societies, Google Ideas, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Mahdavi is also an accomplished author with seven books.  

Her addition into the Lumina Foundation’s Board of Directors is a step toward making education accessible for adults across the United States. For the next four years of her term, she will continue learning and developing techniques to make educational spaces more inclusive and equitable; and will no doubt continue to improve the education and opportunities at the University of La Verne and beyond. 

About the University of La Verne

The University of La Verne is a private, nonprofit university with comprehensive academic and professional programs to meet the dynamic needs of today's competitive workforce.  Since 1891, the university has prepared students for personal and professional success with programs rooted in a liberal education that embraces ethical reasoning, diversity and inclusion, lifelong learning, and civic and community engagement.  It is nationally recognized and consistently holds rankings on the U.S. News & World Report Best Education Schools, National University, Best Value Schools, Top Performers on Social Mobility, and Best Online Programs list. It was also recognized as a 2024 Wall Street Journal Best U.S. College and among the top 15 schools for student experience and social mobility. Classes are offered at the historic La Verne campus, through regional California locations, and online. Learn more at laverne.edu