The University of St. Thomas has named Dr. Lily Asrat as the next director of the Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows program. She will begin her role in August 2026. Asrat brings experience in leadership development, fellowship programming, higher education and global service.
Most recently she served as country director for the U.S. Peace Corps in Uganda, where she led volunteer recruitment, placement, training and professional development efforts.
Her career spans international development, diplomacy, higher education, operations research, and partnership development, with a focus on expanding educational opportunity and preparing emerging leaders to make meaningful contributions in their communities. She completed her doctorate at the University of California, Berkeley.
“My passion for social justice, particularly in education and health, has guided nearly every choice I have made,” Asrat said. "I am motivated by the opportunity to accompany and support students and early career professionals."
Her appointment follows a national search and marks an exciting new chapter for the Fellows program.
"Throughout the search process, Dr. Asrat impressed us not only with her experience and accomplishments but also with her clear sense of purpose and belief in the power of leadership development," said Mike Ciresi '68, board chair of the Ciresi Walburn Foundation and a St. Thomas trustee. "We are thrilled that she will be leading the Fellows program at the University of St. Thomas."
Founded in 2018 and supported by The Ciresi Walburn Foundation, the Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows Program cultivates leadership, service, and social justice among primarily first-generation college students. The program currently includes four cohorts, supporting Fellows throughout their undergraduate experience as they develop the knowledge, skills, and relationships to lead with purpose in their communities and professions.
The search was led by Dr. Lisa Waldner in collaboration with the university’s Human Resources team.
Ciresi Walburn Leadership Foundation
