Dr. Devorah Lieberman, President Emerita-University of La Verne, is a distinguished executive, scholar, and changemaker with a passion for leadership and service. A dedicated advocate for inclusivity and diversity, Lieberman broke barriers as the first female president of the 132-year-old University of La Verne. 

She has a reputation as an influencer in education, business, and health care sectors.  She has extensive board leadership experience, which includes board membership on The Inland Empire Economic Partnership, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Casa Colina Hospital and Rehabilitation, the Council of Urban and Metropolitan Universities, the New American Colleges and Universities, the International Association of University Presidents, and the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement.  

Throughout her career, Lieberman has been recognized for her leadership. This includes being named Woman of Distinction by Senator Portantino (2023), CEO of the Year by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership (2021), and, the Ellis Island Award (2016). She has also received honorary doctorates from Wagner College, I-Shou University (Taiwan), and, the Oregon Health Sciences University.   Lieberman has published extensively on leadership, diversity, institutional transformation, and issues affecting education. These include five books and monographs, 16 book chapters, 30 articles and editorials, and nearly 100 scholarly presentations.   

Prior to assuming the presidency at the University, Lieberman spent more than two decades at both Wagner College in New York and Portland State University serving as provost and VP for academic affairs, vice provost, and a tenured full professor. She holds a PhD in Intercultural Communication from the University of Florida, an MA in from San Diego State University, a BA from Humboldt State University, and an AA from Mt. San Antonio Community College. She has received honorary doctorates from Wagner College, Western University of Health Sciences, and I-Shou University in Taiwan.

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