Dr. Lori Carrell has served as Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Rochester since 2018, following her earlier role as Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. A nationally recognized leader in higher education innovation, she is known for her work in student success, inclusive learning environments, and transformational communication. Prior to joining the University of Minnesota, Dr. Carrell led general education reform efforts within the University of Wisconsin system and founded a research-based teaching and learning center while serving as a distinguished professor of communication.
An accomplished author and speaker, her work focuses on the power of human connection and communication to inspire change, including her co-authored book, Communicate for a Change: Revitalizing Conversations for Higher Education. Dr. Carrell’s leadership has helped position UMR as a national model for student-centered learning and innovative degree pathways. She currently serves on several statewide and national initiatives focused on the future of higher education and workforce development.
