Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., is the 10th president of Western Connecticut State University, bringing over 25 years of experience leading institutional transformation, championing equity-centered student success, and forging innovative partnerships across education, government, and industry.

Before joining WestConn, Dr. Bernal held multiple executive roles at Grand Valley State University, including Vice President for Inclusion and Equity, Vice President for Strategy and University Initiatives, Chief of Staff to the President, and Chief Executive of Public Charter Schools. His leadership helped drive a 28% increase in new student enrollment between 2020 and 2023 and supported the creation of the university’s first performance dashboard and integrated planning systems. Prior to that, he served in state and system-level roles in California, supporting TRIO programs, K-12 partnerships, and statewide diversity efforts.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Bernal’s leadership is rooted in the transformative power of public higher education. His approach centers on welcoming all learners into inclusive, student-ready environments; weaving together academic, social, and community supports to foster belonging and success; and widening pathways to social mobility and economic opportunity.

He 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 diversity advisory chair with the Higher Learning Commission, contributing nationally to institutional effectiveness and accreditation.

Dr. Bernal earned his Ph.D. in Education from the nationally ranked Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UC Santa Barbara. His professional development includes executive training from Harvard University and UC Berkeley, along with certifications in accreditation, foresight thinking, crisis response, and Title IX.

Deeply engaged in civic life, 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 numerous philanthropic, educational, and workforce organizations across the country.

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