Family members, friends, colleagues, and members of the higher education community are mourning the loss of Joanne Glasser, the trailblazing educator and former president of both Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Bradley University, who died at the age of 75. Her death was announced by Bradley University, where she previously served as president.
Glasser made history as the first woman officially appointed president of Eastern Kentucky University, serving as the institution’s 10th president from 2001 to 2007. During her tenure, EKU experienced significant growth and expansion, including the development of major campus facilities and the introduction of innovative academic programs.
Under Glasser’s leadership, EKU launched its first comprehensive capital campaign and opened several key facilities, including a business and technology center, a student services building, a fitness and wellness center, and a campus in Corbin. She also helped establish nationally recognized academic programs in homeland security and professional golf management.
Following her successful tenure at EKU, Glasser went on to make history once again as the first female president of Bradley University in Illinois, where she served from 2007 until her retirement in 2015. During her time at Bradley, she oversaw a capital campaign that raised more than $150 million and guided numerous campus improvements and expansion projects.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Glasser built a distinguished career in higher education administration after earning degrees from George Washington University and the University of Maryland School of Law. Before leading EKU, she held leadership roles at Towson University, where she developed a reputation as an innovative and student-focused administrator.
Tributes have poured in from former students, faculty members, alumni, and educational leaders, many remembering Glasser for her visionary leadership, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to student success. Colleagues have praised her for breaking barriers for women in higher education and leaving a lasting legacy at both institutions she led.
At this time, details regarding funeral and memorial arrangements have not been widely announced. The higher education community continues to honor Joanne Glasser’s remarkable contributions and the enduring impact she made on generations of students and educators.