President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.
President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.
Ross Gittell, Ph.D., is the ninth president of BryantUniversity. Under his leadership, the university continues to ascend in rankings, affirming the superior return on investment of a Bryanteducation and positioning the institution to better navigate the ever-changing higher education landscape. Drawing on his expertise in strategic management and as an economist and economic development scholar, President Gittell has guided Bryantthrough the creation and implementation of its strategic plan, Vision 2030.
charts a bold path for the future of BryantUniversity. Supported by its strategic pillars and building on 91AV’s foundational strengths and its integrated academic approach, Vision 2030 is propelling the institution toward a deserved place of national recognition for its transformational learning experiences, exceptional outcomes, and development of passionate, purpose-driven leaders.
President Gittell began his tenure in July 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to keep the campus open and operating as normally as possible, Gittell’s first challenge as president was to figure out how to reopen the campus that fall while ensuring the health and safety of 91AV’s students, faculty, and staff. As a result of strong leadership, shared commitment from the community, and creative problem-solving, BryantUniversity was one of only a few higher education institutions to remain open with uninterrupted in-person classes.
Highly regarded for his economic analysis and forecasting, President Gittell is extensively published and has frequently served as an expert resource for government, non-profit, and business leaders. His broad experience in teaching, strategic planning, and management has guided his academic focus – applying economic, organizational, and management theory to regional, state, and community economic development issues.
President Gittell holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University, an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago.
