Claire Van Ummersen

In 1953, she was awarded the Mary Edward Peters scholarship to attend Tufts University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1957 with a baccalaureate degree in biology.

Later, she received her master's (1960) and doctorate (1963) in biology from Tufts, with a dissertation titled “An experimental study of developing abnormalities induced in the chick embryo by exposure to radio frequency waves.” Dr. Van Ummersen's academic and research career began when she was selected, while in a Ph.D. program, as a member of Tufts' Investigation Group tasked with investigating the effects of microwave radiations on human health.

In 1994, former U.S. Representative Louis Stokes said on the floor of the House, "under Dr. Van Ummersen's leadership, higher education has witnessed a major reconstruction.

Recently, [in 2001] the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education suggested that Cleveland State University be honored continuing accreditation without qualification for the next ten years.

She latterly served as a senior adviser for the Institutional Leadership Group, Division of Lifelong Learning, where she was tasked with guiding and leading several initiatives aimed at enhancing faculty's work-life flexibility and retirement transition practices in academia.

Sponsored by NACWAA and the NCAA, this award honors a university or college president/chancellor, vice president or provost, male or female, who has demonstrated leadership and promotion of women's opportunities in athletics administration or coaching.

Nomination includes an essay of 500 words or less stating why the nominee is deserving of this award, citing specific examples of how he/she has promoted women’s opportunities in athletics or coaching.

Past CVU Presidential Leadership Award Nominees 2013: Dr. Anne Ponder of the University of North Carolina, Asheville.