Jennifer Chrisler Appointed Interim President of Hampshire College

Chrisler came to Hampshire as its chief advancement officer in 2019, at a critical moment in the College’s history, when the board and community committed to Hampshire as an independent, autonomous institution delivering on its distinctive mission. This followed a period that saw the reversal of the College’s decision to seek a partner for a merger and not to admit a class that fall. Since then, she has overseen the Change in the Making campaign, which has raised more than $50 million in direct operating support, including three $5 million gifts, the largest since the College’s founding.

In July 2024, Chrisler became vice president for institutional support, where she leads fundraising, alumni and family relations, enrollment, financial aid, marketing and communications, public relations, and event services.

“The board has every confidence in Jenn’s outstanding leadership abilities, and we know that her work will be informed by her love of Hampshire and familiarity with the community,” said Hampshire’s Chair of the Board of Trustees Jose Fuentes 05F. “As interim president, she will ensure the College continues to increase and stabilize enrollment and successfully close our fundraising campaign, all while delivering a distinctive, world-class education.”

Said Chrisler, "I joined Hampshire six years ago because I believe in this College’s mission and the unique education it offers. Six years later, I can say for certain that the breadth and depth of Hampshire’s impact on the world are needed now more than ever. The people who are educated, teach, work, and live here are truly remarkable. I'm honored that the board and campus have entrusted me with this role, and I look forward to continuing the consequential work of securing Hampshire's future.”

“The board has every confidence in Jenn’s outstanding leadership abilities, and we know that her work will be informed by her love of Hampshire and familiarity with the community.” Jose Fuentes 05F

Before joining Hampshire, Chrisler was vice chancellor for advancement at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and served as vice president of alumnae relations at her alma mater, Smith College.

She has been an advocate and frequent speaker on issues of LGBTQIA+ equality. From 2005 to 2013, she led the Family Equality Council, a national nonprofit dedicated to securing equality for LGBT parents and their children. She built a strong fundraising program there, bringing in nearly $3 million annually. As executive director, she worked in partnership with the board and the council’s development director to grow its major donor program and secure foundation grants and large corporate sponsors.

She is currently the chair of the board for Fenway Health, which advocates for and delivers innovative, equitable, accessible health care, supportive services, and transformative research and education, centering LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC individuals, and other underserved communities.

Chrisler’s term begins amidst a national search conducted by Hampshire’s board in partnership with Greenwood Asher & Associates.