Queens University of Charlotte President Dan Lugo will step down to take on the same role at Trinity College, the Hartford, Connecticut school announced Tuesday. Lugo has been president of Queens College since 2019 and will assume his role as the 23rd president of Trinity College on July 1.
“[Lugo] stood out above a highly competitive pool for his track record of accomplishments and for his deep commitment to the value of a liberal arts education and to fostering a sense of belonging on campus,” said Lisa Bisaccia, chair of the Trinity College board of trustees and of the presidential search committee. “We particularly noted Dan’s ability to steer institutions toward enduring financial strength while amplifying their brand and deepening campus pride.”
Lugo was praised for leading Queens University’s branding and enrollment efforts, Trinity said in a release. During his tenure, the Charlotte campus had a 50% increase in undergraduate applications and executed a $25 million capital improvement plan. It also shifted its 25 NCAA sports to Division I competition, after previously competing in Division II, the release noted.
A first-generation college graduate, Lugo earned his bachelor of arts in political science from Carleton College in Minnesota, and his law degree from the University of Minnesota School of Law. Before his career in higher education, Lugo was an intellectual property and entertainment attorney.
Queens University tied for 17th in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Best Colleges Regional Universities South Rankings. Founded in 1857, it had a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,373 in the fall of 2023. Its tuition and fees are $45,846.
Trinity College, founded in 1823, tied for 36th in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges in the National Liberal Arts category. It had a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,237 in fall 2023. Its tuition and fees are $70,770.
Queens University has an endowment of about $154.5 million in 2023, compared with Trinity College’s endowment of $791 million, the two schools reported in 2023.
Queens University will form a presidential search committee, comprised of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees, to identify its next leader, according to Queens.
“During his time at Queens, President Lugo has provided excellent leadership, guiding the university through significant challenges and achievements,” according to a statement. “His commitment to accessibility and community engagement was instrumental in launching the Charlotte Talent Initiative, a program designed to empower the next generation of local leaders.”