Daniel Lugo, a lawyer with a background in college administration, has been named president of Queens University of Charlotte, effective July 1.
The school announced Lugo’s appointment on Monday, following a unanimous vote by Queens’ board of trustees. He will replace Pamela Davis, who announced in April 2018 that she was stepping down after 17 years as president of the private, liberal arts school.
Under Davis’ leadership, Queens saw record increases in enrollment and a fourfold growth in its endowment.
‘The right choice’
Micheal Tarwater, who chairs the school’s board of trustees, called Lugo “the right choice at the right time for Queens.”
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“A proven leader in the higher education marketplace for nearly two decades, he has led admissions, recruitment and advancement initiatives at three of the nation’s most selective liberal arts colleges,” Tarwater said. “…Dan’s unique combination of vision and execution is what Queens needs to take it to the next level.”
Lugo is currently vice president for college advancement at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where he orchestrated the strategy, launch and execution of a $750 million fundraising campaign, the largest of its kind for any liberal arts college in history, according to Queens’ website.
A history in higher ed
Lugo previous served as vice president and dean of admission and financial aid at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. Earlier in his career, he supervised the admissions process and enrollment marketing strategy at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn.
A first-generation college student, Lugo earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Carleton College. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota School of Law, where he was an editor of The Journal of Law & Inequality.
Prior to his career in higher education, practiced law as an intellectual property and entertainment attorney, representing nationally recognized artists in the music industry, according to a biography posted on the Queens website.
Positioned for growth
Lugo called his appointment as Queens’ president “the greatest honor” of his professional career.
“I could not be more excited to serve as Queens’ next president at a moment when the university has accomplished so much under the visionary leadership of Dr. Pamela Davies,” he said in a statement. “Queens is well-positioned to grow in national recognition and to become an even greater partner with the Charlotte community.”
Lugo is married with two children.
