As the new president of Union Institute & University, Dr. Karen Schuster Webb will be able to increase her impact on higher education by expanding horizons for adult learners.
Webb, who assumes the presidency July 1, said she is deeply honored to be named Union’s sixth president, noting that the university’s mission and legacy of social justice advocacy reflect her passion for equity of access to excellence in education and the belief that diversity enriches everyone. She plans to work with faculty, staff, alumni, administration and students to continue developing Union’s vision for 21st-century education.
“It has been my pleasure to have [previously] met and worked with a number of Union alumni, and each reflected an engaged, enlightened and empowered competence as well as confidence, which they attributed to career preparation at Union,” said Webb, who most recently has been the Midwest campus president and senior advisor for academic innovation to the chancellor at the Antioch University System.
In July, around the time she assumes the Union presidency, Webb also will become chair of the executive council of the American Council on Education’s Women’s Network.
Founded in 1964, Union is a pioneer in higher education for adults. Across the decades, the course content and degrees offered have evolved to meet student needs with emphasis also given to social relevance. With online programs as well as hybrid programs that combine online and on-campus at Union’s academic centers in Ohio, Florida and California, the academic programs reflect the institution’s mission of learning, service and social responsibility.
Establishing a career in academia was not without significant challenges for Webb, who said she faced salary inequities, sexism and racism. She said she deeply appreciates mentors who shared their stories and encouraged her forward.
“Later, as I was selected for leadership roles, a major struggle was for my voice to be heard and input acknowledged as the only woman administrator in meetings with my peers,” said Webb. “The breakthrough came when I was selected for a position where diversity and inclusion were valued in the university’s culture, and I thrived professionally. That foundation of knowing what a truly inclusive climate looks like in the academy and how to foster that climate were invaluable lessons that I took with me and emulated.”
