Gay and Lesbian College Presidents Go Public With Web Video

A small but growing group of openly gay and lesbian college presidents will make its official debut at a March meeting of the American Council on Education. But the group publicly introduced itself on Friday with a Web video, which features several of its members and their partners.

“I’m black, and I’m a woman. But what you don’t see is that I am a very proud lesbian president of a university,” says Charlita L. Shelton, president of the University of the Rockies. “And my coming-out process could not have been better because I had someone who supported me, who’s sitting right next to me.”

Lynne Schumal, Ms. Shelton’s partner, then says: “And most importantly, we’re an out and proud lesbian couple.”

The group, LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education, was created at an August meeting in Chicago, and now includes about 25 member presidents. Its founders say they hope to provide professional support for members, as well as a possible platform for future advocacy. Leadership is needed on rights, scholarship, and advocacy, according to the group.

During the four-minute video, which was filmed during a second meeting of the group, held in November in Los Angeles, members give advice to other gay and lesbian leaders in higher education.

“Get and keep a sense of humor—it will serve you well,” says Charles R. Middleton, president of Roosevelt University and a founder. “I did, and I became an out, bearded, bald, gay president. Who knew?”

While there are many openly gay and lesbian administrators at the vice-president and dean levels, progress has been slow at the top. The group hopes to change that.

“We’re making this video for you, so that you know who we are, what we’re doing, and as we proudly assume our rightful leadership role in United States higher education,” says Neal King, president of Antioch University-Los Angeles. “We’re here to stay. We want to get to know you. Join us.”