Elissa Tenny

Elissa Tenny is president emerita of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), and the first woman to lead the School. As president from 2016–2024, and provost from 2010–16, she had responsibility for the School’s world-renowned academic programs, strategic planning, and operations across all facets of the institution. A career-long proponent of art and design education and the liberal arts, Tenny is an advocate of interdisciplinary practice, diversity in higher learning, and the role higher education plays in society and the world at large.

Tenny came to SAIC from Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont, where she served as provost and dean from 2002–10. Prior to joining Bennington, Tenny served in a variety of roles at The New School in New York City from 1975–2002 including Interim Dean. Tenny holds a Doctor of Education from University of Pennsylvania, Master of Arts in Media Studies from The New School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Stockton University.

During her tenure, SAIC celebrated its 150th anniversary, raising more than $80 million, primarily for student support through increasing student scholarships, promoting wellness, and expanding career-building experiences for students.  

Tenny oversaw the relaunch of SAIC’s career and professional development programs with an entrepreneurial focus, including self-employment, financial management skills, and an entrepreneurs-in-residence program. Tenny reduced educational costs by decreasing undergraduate tuition and spurred curricular innovation by launching a Low- Residency MFA program. She also helped launch SAIC’s first classroom beyond the School’s downtown campus in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.  

Throughout her career, Tenny has remained a leader in the field, having served as chair of the board of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and a member of the Executive Committee of the board of SNAPP (Strategic National Arts Alumni Project). She has been named a notable woman in both education and as an executive by Crain’s Chicago Business, and ranked sixth on Newcity’s list of Chicago notables, “Art 50 2017: Who Makes Art Work.”

Contact

802-440-4300
presidentsoffice@bennington.edu

For media and interview requests:
802-440-4399
mediarelations@bennington.edu

Additional resources

Downloadable pictures of campus