![Dr. Meggan Madden]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750976634/principiacollegeedu/ywlhb4fwt9sbqdexbjtn/madden_meggan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750976634/principiacollegeedu/ywlhb4fwt9sbqdexbjtn/madden_meggan.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750976634/principiacollegeedu/ywlhb4fwt9sbqdexbjtn/madden_meggan.jpg","width":600}])
College President
Education
- PhD Higher Education & Comparative, International and Development Education, University of Toronto
- MA, Higher Education & Comparative, International and Development Education, University of Toronto
- BA, Principia College
Contact
- 618.374.5155
- Send a message to Dr. Madden.
Dr. Madden brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, with a focus on international education, student-centered leadership, and academic excellence.
Dr. Madden earned her BA from Principia College before completing her MA and PhD in higher education and comparative, international, and development education at the University of Toronto. Her scholarship explores the intersection of global higher education policy and student experience, with an emphasis on access, equity, and institutional accountability.
Dr. Madden has held faculty and administrative positions at several leading institutions, including George Washington University, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, and Arizona State University (ASU) where she was recognized for excellence in teaching and cross-cultural engagement. At ASU, she was the inaugural director of a $27 million dollar program funded by the MasterCard Foundation to support scholarships for students from sub-Saharan Africa.
At Principia, her tenure as Dean of Academics was marked by setting a new academic vision, strategic curricular development, faculty support, and a renewed commitment to the liberal arts as a foundation for principled leadership.
Her contributions to the field include leadership roles within the Comparative and International Education Society and service as executive editor of the Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. At George Washington University, she also served as co-chair of the UNESCO Chair in International Education for Development. She has also served on doctoral dissertation committees at George Washington University, mentoring the next generation of higher education thought leaders.
A lifelong advocate for access to education, Dr. Madden is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community rooted in intellectual curiosity, integrity, and purpose. She continues to mentor students and young higher education professionals, encouraging critical thinking, global awareness, and thoughtful communication.
Dr. Madden’s deep ties to Principia—as an alum, scholar, and leader—inform her vision for a vibrant and forward-looking College community. Her leadership reflects a dedication to honoring Principia’s purpose while preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Scholarly Interests
- Dr. Madden's scholarly interests include higher education policy, comparative and international higher education, international education policy and practice, and the student experience.
Contributions to Field
- Dr. Madden served a three-year term as Co-Chair of the largest Special Interest Group of the Comparative and International Education Society, the Higher Education Special Interest Group (HESIG). In this role, she served as Executive Editor for the Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. While at George Washington University, Dr. Madden served as a co-Chair of the UNESCO Chair in International Education for Development.
Memberships and Affiliations
- Comparative and International Education Society
Publications and Presentations
Jamison, A. & Madden, M. (2020) Developing capacities for social change: Exploring the role of a land grant institution in the civic and social engagement of its African alumni. Higher Education.
Madden, M., Butler, P. & Smith, N. (2020). “A dream of mine to go abroad”: Undocumented Student Participation in Education Abroad. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice.
Engel, L., Madden, M. & Streitwieser, B. (2019). Social Theories and the Teaching of Comparative Education. In M.A. Peters (eds.), Encyclopedia of Teacher Education. Springer Singapore.
Madden, M. & Blanco, G. L. (2019). Research and practice in comparative and international higher education. A. Wiseman (ed.) Annual Review of Comparative & International Education 2018. International Perspectives on Education & Society Series. Volume 37. Bingley, UK: Emerald Publishing.
Streitwieser, B. & Madden, M. (2019). "On the Duty of Care: Refugees, At-Risk Migrants, and Internationalization." International Educator. May/June 2019.