Anita Gustafson, Ph.D.

Anita Olson Gustafson, Ph.D. was installed as the 20th president of Presbyterian College on April 26, 2024. 

She returned to PC after seven years as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a professor of history at Mercer University, a private research university in Macon, Ga. Before joining Mercer in 2016, Gustafson served on the PC faculty and administration for nearly two decades. She is PC’s first female president.

While at Mercer University, Gustafson managed the university’s largest academic undergraduate college with nearly 2000 students. She collaborated consistently with the provost and deans from 11 other university programs, including the Schools of Law, Business, Engineering, Education, Theology, Professional Advancement, Music, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions. In 2018, she worked with faculty to develop and implement a strategic plan for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

During her 19 years at PC, Gustafson worked to deliver a high-quality liberal arts program as a member of the faculty and as an administrator. She served on the president’s cabinet for more than two years while the presidential position was in transition due to a retirement. She also served as interim provost, interim dean of academic programs and history department chair. Gustafson held a number of faculty leadership roles at PC, including chair of the Senior Faculty Council and chair of the PC Launch Program for Vocation, Leadership and Service. 

Gustafson earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in history from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. She holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in economics and Swedish and a minor in history from North Park University in Chicago.

Dr. Gustafson and her husband, Charles, have one son, Karl.