Claremont McKenna College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Claremont McKenna College has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, academic administration, and institutional governance.

Dedicated to fostering leadership and academic excellence, Claremont McKenna College empowers students through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum designed to prepare graduates for impactful careers in public affairs, business, and the global economy.

Leadership Roles at Claremont McKenna College

  • Chief Executive Officer & President - William Dudley
  • Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Janet Stenmo
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Sharon Basso
  • Founder & President - Ethan Tu
  • President and Webmaster - Neal Kemp
  • President - Hiram Chodosh
  • Trustee Professor of Legal Studies, President Emerita - Pamela Gann
  • William Dudley - Chief Executive Officer & President

    William Dudley, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Claremont McKenna College, directs the overarching strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the integration of liberal arts programs with professional preparation, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment between faculty research and student outcomes. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to secure long-term financial sustainability. By championing innovative pedagogical approaches, William Dudley drives the college toward greater national prominence. The Chief Executive Officer & President maintains rigorous standards for academic excellence while expanding the reach of the institution across North American educational markets. Through consistent engagement with alumni and donors, the Chief Executive Officer & President secures the resources necessary for campus infrastructure development. Ultimately, Dudley fosters an environment where intellectual inquiry and practical application converge to produce future leaders.
    William Dudley

    Janet Stenmo - Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

    Janet Stenmo, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Claremont McKenna College, manages the administrative infrastructure and operational efficiency of the campus. Overseeing the daily execution of institutional policies, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that all departments function in harmony with the broader academic mission. This role involves optimizing resource allocation to support faculty needs and student services. By streamlining internal processes, Janet Stenmo enhances the overall effectiveness of the college. The Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer coordinates with various administrative units to maintain high standards of service delivery across the institution. Through careful oversight of budgetary constraints and facility management, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer supports the long-term growth of the college. Ultimately, Stenmo provides the structural foundation required for academic success.

    Sharon Basso - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Sharon Basso, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Claremont McKenna College, architects the operational frameworks that sustain the campus environment. Overseeing student affairs and auxiliary services, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the residential experience aligns with the college's commitment to leadership development. This role involves managing large-scale logistics and campus safety protocols to support a diverse student body. By implementing data-driven strategies, Sharon Basso improves the quality of student life and institutional support systems. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with academic leadership to integrate co-curricular activities with classroom learning. Through the management of campus-wide initiatives, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence across all non-academic departments. Ultimately, Basso secures the stability of the campus ecosystem, ensuring that every student has access to the resources necessary for personal and professional growth.
    Sharon Basso

    Ethan Tu - Founder & President

    Ethan Tu, the Founder & President at Claremont McKenna College, drives the entrepreneurial spirit and foundational values that define the institution. Overseeing the development of new academic initiatives, the Founder & President ensures that the college remains at the forefront of liberal arts education. This role involves cultivating partnerships with industry leaders to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. By fostering a culture of innovation, Ethan Tu encourages faculty and students to challenge existing paradigms. The Founder & President maintains a focus on long-term institutional growth and the preservation of the college's unique identity. Through strategic planning and vision setting, the Founder & President guides the institution toward future opportunities in the global education market. Ultimately, Tu shapes the trajectory of the college by emphasizing the importance of leadership, integrity, and intellectual rigor in every aspect of the academic experience.

    Neal Kemp - President and Webmaster

    Neal Kemp, the President and Webmaster at Claremont McKenna College, directs the digital presence and technological communication strategies of the institution. Overseeing the integration of web-based platforms with academic outreach, the President and Webmaster ensures that the college effectively communicates its mission to a global audience. This role involves managing the technical infrastructure that supports online learning and institutional transparency. By optimizing digital engagement, Neal Kemp enhances the visibility of the college's research and academic programs. The President and Webmaster collaborates with the IT department to maintain secure and efficient systems for the entire campus community. Through the strategic use of digital tools, the President and Webmaster drives increased interaction between the college and prospective students. Ultimately, Kemp leverages technology to expand the reach of the institution, ensuring that the values of the college are accessible to a wide and diverse audience.

    Hiram Chodosh - President

    Hiram Chodosh, the President at Claremont McKenna College, leads the strategic direction and academic advancement of the institution. Overseeing the implementation of high-level educational policies, the President ensures that the college maintains its reputation for excellence in the liberal arts. This role involves engaging with faculty to promote interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, Hiram Chodosh drives the college toward achieving its long-term goals in student development and public impact. The President coordinates with the Board of Trustees to align institutional priorities with the evolving needs of the higher education sector. Through active participation in national academic forums, the President elevates the profile of the college. Ultimately, Chodosh provides the leadership necessary to navigate the complexities of modern academia, ensuring that the institution continues to produce graduates who are prepared to lead in a rapidly changing world.
    Hiram Chodosh
    Pamela Gann, the Trustee Professor of Legal Studies, President Emerita at Claremont McKenna College, contributes to the academic rigor and intellectual legacy of the institution. Overseeing specialized legal studies programs, the Trustee Professor of Legal Studies, President Emerita ensures that students receive a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between law and public policy. This role involves mentoring faculty and students while providing historical context for current institutional initiatives. By leveraging extensive experience in academic leadership, Pamela Gann supports the ongoing development of the college's curriculum. The Trustee Professor of Legal Studies, President Emerita collaborates with various departments to promote interdisciplinary scholarship. Through the application of deep legal expertise, the Trustee Professor of Legal Studies, President Emerita drives the quality of academic discourse on campus. Ultimately, Gann maintains the high standards of the college, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in legal and liberal arts education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Claremont McKenna College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Claremont McKenna College?
    Claremont McKenna College is led by William Dudley (Chief Executive Officer & President), along with executives such as Janet Stenmo (Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer) and Sharon Basso (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Claremont McKenna College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Claremont McKenna College includes leaders such as William Dudley (Chief Executive Officer & President), Janet Stenmo (Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer), Sharon Basso (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Claremont McKenna College have?
    Claremont McKenna College has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Claremont McKenna College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Claremont McKenna College includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & President, Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Founder & President, President and Webmaster.