Rita Cheng

Dr. Rita Hartung Cheng is a nationally respected leader in higher education, having served as the president of Northern Arizona University from 2014-2021 and is currently a professor at NAU. Prior to her appointment at Northern Arizona University, Dr. Cheng served as Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale from 2010 to 2014. She also spent over 20 years in faculty and administrative roles at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, including as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. She earned her Ph.D. in management from Temple University’s Fox School of Business and Management, an MBA from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Business Administration with honors from Bishop’s University in Quebec. In her leadership positions, Dr. Cheng has been a lifelong supporter of international education, developing and supporting global partnerships and exchange programs, focused on preparing students to thrive in a connected world.