M. Elizabeth Magill
president, University of Pennsylvania
When Liz Magill became president of the University of Pennsylvania last July, she took the helm of one of the largest private employers in Philadelphia and one of the most impactful institutions locally and globally. The Ivy League school has an annual economic impact of some $15 billion for Philadelphia and employs about 46,000 people, including its health system workers. As president, Magill oversees strategic direction for the school that last year had an endowment of $20.7 billion and roughly $1.3 billion in construction projects in its pipeline. Shortly after arriving, she announced her strategic visioning effort, “Tomorrow, Together,” to set goals for the school in the coming years. Prior to Penn, Magill was the executive vice president and provost of the University of Virginia, the first woman to hold the role. A legal scholar, Magill – who previously was dean of Stanford Law School and a law professor at Stanford and Virginia – worked in politics and clerked for late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Education: B.A., Yale University; J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
Originally from: Fargo, North Dakota
A word that best describes me: Inquisitive
My first big break: Having parents who loved and supported me.
My proudest career accomplishment: Every graduate who leads in and serves their communities, every faculty member who contributes to their field, and the staff who grow and succeed in their careers – insofar as I can empower these things, that’s my proudest accomplishment.
The most influential person on my career: Justice Ginsburg. Her first rule was engage with the best version of your opponent’s argument. She had a steel-trap mind for law. And she was a fierce equal rights advocate, arguing more than 300 cases about discrimination against women.
How I’m using my influence to impact change: Between Penn and Philadelphia, we have the critical mass of expertise and ingenuity to help move the needle on big challenges and opportunities. Think energy, climate, health care breakthroughs, trust in democratic institutions. We’re focused on this in our strategic planning.
To uplift other women: I believe that the essence of good leadership is enabling the success of others. This of course extends to fellow women leaders. Case in point: The first three Penn deans I have hired are all women.
A female business icon I admire: All the Philly women business leaders who have so warmly welcomed me.
A part of my daily routine I can’t live without: Walking the family dog, Olive
For fun I like to: Read, hike, and connect with family and friends.
