Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith welcomed John L. Hennessy, a distinguished alumnus and former president of Stanford University, for a discussion on leadership, mentorship, and the future of higher education during the final presidential talk of Inauguration Week on April 17.
The conversation addressed how universities can advance research, innovation, and societal impact in an evolving landscape. Goldsmith described Hennessy as “the most transformational and inspirational leader in higher education,” noting his influence on her own academic career. “I am so thrilled and proud that you are here for this Inauguration Week and coming back to your alma mater, which served as the foundation to the beginning of your career,” she said.
Hennessy shared insights from his time leading Stanford University for sixteen years, as well as experiences co-founding technology companies like MIPS Computer Systems. He spoke about the importance of making decisions under uncertainty in both startups and academia: “There’s enormous time pressure and there’s a lot of uncertainty, a lot of things are gray — and that’s one of the hardest things to do in any leadership position.” Reflecting on challenges faced by universities such as financial crises, he recalled taking salary cuts with other leaders at Stanford during difficult periods.
Addressing artificial intelligence (AI), Hennessy said universities must teach students how to use new tools while maintaining core educational values: “We’re going to have to think about how to use those tools in an intelligent and useful fashion that encourages our students to become lifelong learners.” He also emphasized learning from mentors throughout his life at Stony Brook and Stanford: “So that’s the advice I give to people, if you’re thinking about a leadership role.”
Goldsmith asked Hennessy about changes in his views on leadership over time. He responded that growth comes through experience: “You’ve got to learn how to climb that ladder because when you get to a larger organization…having dealt with decisions in the small then makes it easier.” He encouraged Stony Brook University to be ambitious by finding strategies unique among public institutions: “Rally the alumni — that’s a tool that universities have…Those are the things you begin to do to shape a strategy around.”
The event concluded with applause after Goldsmith expressed her appreciation for Hennessy’s mentorship over decades. A reception followed featuring Hennessy’s memoir reflecting on lessons learned across his career.
