Laura A. De Veau, Ed.D., is a dynamic higher education professional with over three decades of experience in administration and leadership. As the Principal and Founder of Fortify Associates, LLC, a boutique consulting firm in Newton, Massachusetts, she specializes in optimizing mission-driven organizations through strategic planning, training, and organizational development.

Dr. De Veau's career in higher education began in 1989, culminating in her role as Vice President for Student Affairs at Mount Ida College from 2013 to 2018. Her extensive portfolio included oversight of 23 functional areas, from Residential & Campus Life to Intercollegiate Athletics. Throughout her career, she has held positions at several prestigious institutions, including Endicott College, Babson College, Indiana University of PA, and Boston University.

Currently, Dr. De Veau serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Human Development, teaching graduate courses in Student Affairs Administration, Field Experience, and Student Development Theory. She also teaches at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, focusing on Strategic Planning, Enrollment Management, and Contemporary Issues in Higher Education].

A multifaceted professional, Dr. De Veau is also:

• A former stand-up comedian and sought-after presenter

• Creator of the popular Substack newsletter "What's Up in the Academy?"

• Host of the podcast "Office Hours with Dr. De Veau"

• Soon-to-be host of a new podcast "What's Your Major?" launching in January 2025

Her contributions to the field have been recognized with multiple awards from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), including the 2023 Outstanding Contribution to Higher Education award. Dr. De Veau has also served as faculty for NASPA's prestigious institutes (The Manicur Symposium and the New SSAO Institute) and participated in their advocacy initiatives in Washington, D.C.

Beyond higher education, Dr. De Veau is passionate about advocacy. She has been recognized as a Champion for Change by the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and served on the Board of Directors of the Boston Gay Men's Chorus for eight years, becoming the first straight woman to serve as its President.

Dr. De Veau's expertise extends to politics, having served on the campaign staff for Jon Ossoff's 2020 Senate run and held volunteer leadership positions in various high-profile political campaigns.

With her unique blend of academic expertise, leadership experience, and creative pursuits, Dr. Laura A. De Veau continues to make significant contributions to higher education and beyond.

• Ed.D. Northeastern University, Higher Education Administration (2021)

  • Dissertation: “What Happens to Us When We Close?” An Interpretive Phenomenological Study of Mount Ida College Students’ Lived Experiences After Institutional Closure” 

• M.Ed. Boston University, Higher Education Administration (1994)

• B.S. Journalism (1989)