Campus Compact is pleased to announce that Dr. Mary K. Grant, president of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, has been awarded Campus Compact’s Richard Guarasci Award for Presidential Leadership. The award recognizes presidents and chancellors from four-year or graduate institutions who have exemplified a deep and sustained commitment to civic and community engagement throughout their careers.
Grant is recognized for her leadership in public higher education with more than 30 years of experience. She currently serves as President of Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)—the nation’s only independent public college of art and design—where she brings a clear vision, deep care, and a lifelong belief in the power of creativity and education.
A dedicated advocate for public colleges and universities, Grant has also led the University of North Carolina Asheville as Chancellor and served for thirteen years as President of her alma mater, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), advancing civic learning, student success, and institutional growth. She also served as President and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate and as Senior Administrative Fellow for Civics and Social Justice, leading the Martin Richard Institute at Bridgewater State University. Additionally, she has also served as the chair of the Campus Compact board of directors.
“We work closely with Dr. Grant and MassArt on a wide variety of community-facing cultural projects. In each instance, Dr. Grant’s passion for community building, civic engagement, and her belief in the power of meaningful human interactions have been at the forefront of these initiatives,” said Kelly Brilliant and Genevieve Day, co-executive directors of The Fenway Alliance in a co-signed letter supporting Grant’s nomination for the award. “We are grateful to count her and MassArt as steadfast partners. We enthusiastically endorse her nomination for this award.”
“Mary K. Grant’s passion for community building, civic engagement, and her belief in the power of higher education to meaningfully contribute to the public good have impacted and changed higher education and our society for the better,” said Bobbie Laur, president of Campus Compact. “The Guarasci award recognizes her commitment to helping young people discover their purpose and prepare for a meaningful life. We are honored and proud to present Dr. Grant with this award.”
The Richard Guarasci Award for Presidential Leadership is presented as part of Campus Compact's Impact Awards, which recognize shining examples of meaningful, impactful higher education civic and community engagement work. Read more about the other awards and this year's recipient here.
The recipients of these awards will be recognized at Compact26, Campus Compact’s annual conference, which will be held in Chicago, Illinois from March 16th—18th, 2026.