The Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) announced today that Waded Cruzado, president of Montana State University (MSU), will become the association’s next president, effective July 1. Cruzado, a passionate advocate for public and land-grant universities, is set to lead the organization after over a decade of transformative leadership at MSU.
Cruzado has served as MSU’s president since 2010, overseeing the institution’s record-breaking growth in enrollment, academic excellence, research, and fundraising. During her tenure, MSU set new records in student retention and graduation rates, while also expanding its research footprint and improving the campus’s infrastructure.
This summer, Cruzado announced her retirement from MSU, marking the end of an impactful chapter in the university’s history. Her leadership at MSU has left an indelible mark on the institution, with significant strides in student success, diversity, and academic achievement. Enrollment at MSU has grown by 35% during her time at the helm, and the university has experienced a substantial increase in students from underrepresented groups, including Native American, Black, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander students.
Cruzado’s work has also been instrumental in the university’s research expansion, with MSU achieving Carnegie R1 designation for very high research activity. Annual research expenditures at MSU have grown more than 160% under her leadership.
Beyond her successes at MSU, Cruzado has been an active and influential figure in the higher education community, having chaired the APLU Board of Directors in 2021. A lifelong advocate for the Morrill Act of 1862 and the public land-grant university mission, Cruzado has dedicated her career to advancing the tripartite mission of education, research, and outreach to communities.
“I am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue to help strengthen an education system that has transformed the lives of millions of Americans,” Cruzado said in a statement. “The public and land-grant university system is vital to the prosperity of our nation, and I am excited to lead APLU as we work together to advance this mission.”
Gary May, chancellor of the University of California, Davis, and chair of the APLU presidential search committee, expressed his enthusiasm about Cruzado’s appointment. “She is an exceptional leader who has successfully guided a public university to new heights. Her experience, both as a university president and with APLU, makes her the perfect fit to lead the association into its next chapter,” said May.
Joan Ferrini-Mundy, chair of the APLU Board of Directors and president of the University of Maine, echoed these sentiments. “Waded Cruzado is a trailblazing leader who has spent decades advocating for public and land-grant universities. Her passion and expertise make her the ideal person to lead APLU and advocate for the critical role these institutions play in shaping the future of our country.”
Under Cruzado’s leadership at MSU, the university expanded its physical campus with more than $600 million in projects, including new academic and student facilities, as well as athletic and research spaces. Her success as a fundraiser has also played a key role in MSU’s growth, securing over $850 million in private donations for scholarships, academic chairs, and major construction projects.
Cruzado’s appointment comes after Mark Becker announced he would step down as APLU’s president after more than two years in the role. Cruzado, a native of Puerto Rico, is eager to build upon APLU’s success and strengthen the association’s mission of advancing public higher education.
“APLU has been a champion for the public university system, and I am excited to continue that work in this new capacity,” Cruzado said. “The work we do is essential to the future of our students and our communities, and I look forward to advocating for these institutions as we move forward together.”
Throughout her career, Cruzado has received numerous honors and accolades, including the Michael P. Malone Educator of the Year award, the Hero Award from the Montana Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Seaman Knapp Memorial Lectureship from APLU.
Cruzado will assume the presidency of APLU following the departure of Mark Becker, who led the association for over two years.