Since becoming Dartmouth’s first woman president in June 2023, Dr. Sian Leah Beilock has positioned the institution as a leader in constructive dialogue, affordability, and student wellbeing.
She launched “Dartmouth Dialogues”, engaging over 15,000 community members in its first year to build skills for respectful engagement across differences. President Beilock expanded financial aid so families earning under $125,000 face no parent contribution, with 46% of students receiving aid and 22% qualifying for Pell Grants. Additionally, the full cost of tuition is covered for students whose families earn between $125,000 and $175,000.
A cognitive scientist and leading expert on performance under pressure, she brings researchdriven insight to higher education leadership.
The Hesburgh Award is named in honor of the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., past president of the University of Notre Dame and longtime member of the TIAA and CREF Boards of Overseers. A world-renowned educator and humanitarian, Father Hesburgh (1917-2015) was a lifelong champion of human rights, the cause of peace, and care for the poor.