Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., is the 10th president of Western Connecticut State University, bringing more than 25 years of experience leading institutional transformation, advancing student success, and building innovative partnerships across education, government, and industry.

Before joining WestConn, Dr. Bernal held multiple executive leadership roles at Grand Valley State University, including Vice President for Strategy & Chief of Staff to the President and Chief Executive of GVSU Public Charter Schools. Earlier in his career, he served in state and system-level roles in California, supporting TRIO programs, K–12 partnerships, and statewide initiatives focused on access and student achievement.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Bernal’s leadership is grounded in a deep belief in the transformative power of public higher education. His approach emphasizes welcoming all learners into student-ready environments, weaving together academic, social, and community supports to promote belonging and persistence, and widening pathways to social mobility, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity.

Dr. Bernal serves on the boards of the Center for the Advancement of Professional Students (CAPS) and the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and currently chairs the board of EQPD Learning. He is also a member of the REP4 President’s Council and a peer reviewer and former advisory committee chair with the Higher Learning Commission, contributing nationally to institutional quality, accreditation, and continuous improvement.

He earned his Ph.D. in Education from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His professional development includes executive education from Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, along with certifications in accreditation, foresight thinking, crisis response, and Title IX compliance.

Deeply engaged in civic and public service, Dr. Bernal has served as Chair of the Michigan Hispanic/Latino Commission (appointed by governors of both parties), a mayoral appointee to the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission, and an advisor to philanthropic, educational, and workforce organizations across the country.

Now leading WestConn into an era of renewal, growth, and impact, Dr. Bernal remains committed to ensuring the university serves as a powerful engine of opportunity—locally, regionally, and nationally—for students, families, and communities.