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New at CSU Laura Bloomberg took over the helm of Cleveland State University in April — and has a vision for excellence that embraces everyone.
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aura Bloomberg was named president of Cleveland State University in April and quickly showed her commitment to the school by purchasing a deep-green BMW electric car. “I don’t have it yet because of supply-chain issues, but I’m going to be driving around in CSU colors,” she says. “I’ve never in my life had a green car. I’m all in on CSU and Cleveland.” We checked in with Bloomberg to ask her about her big move and her goals for the university she now leads.
Her past: Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Bloomberg built quite the career over multiple decades at the University of Minnesota, most recently as dean and associate dean of the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Coming to Cleveland: In August 2021, Bloomberg moved to Cleveland to become Cleveland State University provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. The job of university president wasn’t on her radar — until CSU and former president Harlan Sands unexpectedly parted ways this spring because of philosophical differences. Why CSU? “My heart always has been in urban communities, in places where people are striving to thrive. My bachelor’s degree is from a state university. Those kinds of institutions speak to me, and Cleveland State spoke to me. We create opportunities here, and we have excellent scholars. Cleveland State exemplifies that you can be inclusive and excellent.” Finding their way: Bloomberg and her husband, Jon, had never been to Cleveland, so they arranged a visit in which they took in the Cleveland Metroparks, Playhouse Square and, of course, the CSU campus. What they found: “My husband and I said: ‘Cleveland? Could we go to Cleveland?’ Truth is, we hadn’t spent any time in Cleveland. Well, Jon and I came out here and spent four days walking the city. At the end of the four days, we both said, ‘Yes, we could see ourselves living here.’” Challenges ahead: “I think we leave a lot of raw intelligence and horsepower on the table if we think that low-income students, or students who don’t come from a college-going family, can’t be successful. So what we need to do is find students who are really capable of success but might come with barriers — and help make it happen for them.” Best book she’s read: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. “Abraham Lincoln wasn’t afraid to surround himself with opponents and people who would openly disagree with him in service of a greater mission.”
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CLEVELAND
08.22
BY DENNIS MANOLOFF
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN HARSA
