Michael Fitts is the president of Tulane University. An astute institutional strategist, he is known for transforming complex organizations and strengthening the impact of higher education. He sees research universities as engines of discovery, talent development, and economic growth that improve the human condition and as vital platforms for civil discourse in a divided world. As the longtime leader of Tulane, he has redefined what institutions can achieve by aligning mission, momentum, and people to drive innovation for the public good. Bringing a background in law and government to an accomplished career in academia, he fosters a university culture that is defined by interdisciplinary collaboration, academic rigor, and deep engagement with real-world issues. Prior to assuming the Tulane presidency in 2014, Fitts spent 14 years as dean of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. He served in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel, and has written extensively on presidential power, separation of powers, executive branch decisions, and democratic institutions. He holds a J.D. from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.