President, Claremont Graduate University

In 2018, Jessup became the 12th president at Claremont Graduate University, assuming responsibility for seven graduate schools with total enrollment of roughly 2,000 students. In February, CGU received its largest-ever donation: a $42 million gift from a foundation set up by the late alumnus and Orange County apartment property investor Patrick Cadigan. The gift will go toward a new building to house the School of Arts and Humanities and host entrepreneurial business faculty and students. Prior to joining CGU, Jessup served as president of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Before that, he was dean of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 3