News and Events

The Lake Forest College Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Michael “Mike” Sosulski as the College’s 15th president, effective August 11, 2025, following a national search. An Illinois native, Dr. Sosulski most recently served as president of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where he led significant advancements in academics, enrollment, and campus life.

An accomplished scholar and experienced administrator, Dr. Sosulski brings to Lake Forest a strong record of leadership in academic affairs, fundraising, and institutional innovation. At Washington College, he oversaw a 120 percent increase in applications, launched a $5 million campus innovation hub, completed a $20 million first-year housing renovation, and led the institution through its 10-year reaccreditation in 2024. He also helped secure $125 million in fundraising in advance of the college’s next capital campaign, including a transformative $15 million gift to create the Warehime School of Global Business, Economics and Social Impact.

Before his presidency, Dr. Sosulski served as Provost and Professor of German at Wofford College, where he led major investments in academic infrastructure, diversity, and governance. He has also held faculty and leadership roles at Kalamazoo College.

Dr. Sosulski expressed deep enthusiasm for joining the Lake Forest College community.

“Growing up in suburban Chicago, I saw Lake Forest as the ideal liberal arts college—personal, rigorous, and full of opportunity. The chance to return home—personally and professionally—felt like a perfect fit,” Dr. Sosulski said. “From the start, I was drawn to this community’s spirit: smart, curious, creative, and deeply caring. That’s a mission I deeply believe in, and I’m honored and excited to be part of it.”

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Sosulski’s appointment.

“His passion for liberal arts education, strategic leadership, and strong record of results make him the right person to guide the College into its next chapter.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sosulski to Lake Forest,” said Board Chair William Lowry ’84 of Chicago. “His passion for liberal arts education, strategic leadership, and strong record of results make him the right person to guide the College into its next chapter.”

The College also recognizes the outstanding work of the Presidential Search Committee—which included trustees, faculty, staff, and a student—and was co-chaired by Marisue Lacher and Bob Murley, both residents of Lake Forest, Ill. The Search Committee, appointed by the Board of Trustees, partnered with Russell Reynolds Associates, the global leadership advisory and executive search firm, on the comprehensive search.

Lacher noted: “During our national search, we were seeking a proven leader in higher education with a passion for the liberal arts and a desire to help Lake Forest College achieve its fullest potential. Mike surpassed the bar, and we are excited to see where he takes the College.” Murley added: “As someone with exceptional experience who also aspires to be engaged with all the constituencies of the College, including our local community and beyond, Mike is the perfect choice.”

Dr. Sosulski succeeds Interim President Robert Krebs, who has led the College since December 2024 following the departure of Dr. Jill M. Baren. The College extends its gratitude to Mr. Krebs for his service during this important transition.

A native of West Chicago, Ill., Dr. Sosulski earned a BS in German from Georgetown University and both an MA and PhD in Germanic Studies from the University of Chicago. Earlier in his academic journey, he also studied saxophone performance at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Dr. Sosulski is married to Dr. Cori Crane, Associate Professor of German at the University of Alabama. The couple will relocate to Lake Forest and look forward to becoming active members of the campus and local communities. They have two adult sons. 

Read Dr. Sosulski’s biography.