Theodore E. Long

Dr. Theodore E. Long has broad experience in the governance of independent colleges, especially on issues related to effective presidential leadership, board-president relations, strategic planning, institutional transformation, and the board’s role in leading change.

During his tenure as president for Elizabethtown College from 1996 to 2011, Long led a series of successful initiatives that enhanced the quality of the college’s faculty, its academic and co-curricular programs, its financial health and physical plant, its market position, and its national reputation. During his final 3 years as president, he engaged the entire campus in a process of rethinking the college’s business model and was active in addressing such issues among independent colleges. In addition, the Elizabethtown board became recognized for its development of best practices in collegiate governance.

Long has also served on numerous boards of higher education, arts, economic development, and community service organizations. Since 2004, he has served as a trustee of Capital University and currently chairs the academic affairs committee. Noted for his leadership in planning and organizational development, he is frequently engaged to assist educational and community boards in such efforts and has led numerous accreditation visiting teams.

Long earned his B.A. at Capital University, his M.A from Duke University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, all in sociology, and has been awarded three honorary doctoral degrees.