CSU President Scott Named 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education

Insight Into Academia honors CSU leader for transformational impact on students, research capacity, and national advocacy for Predominantly Black Institutions

CHICAGO — Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott, JD, has been named a recipient of the inaugural 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award by Insight into Academia, a leading publication covering innovation and leadership in higher education. The prestigious award recognizes presidents, chancellors, and provosts who challenge convention, implement courageous strategies, and deliver tangible progress for students and communities. 

President Scott is one of only 18 higher education executives nationwide selected for this honor, joining an elite group of leaders recognized for reshaping the future of colleges and universities across the nation. 

Since assuming the presidency in 2018, President Scott has led a remarkable revitalization at Chicago State University and across Chicago’s south side. She launched the Cougar Commitment initiative and RISE Academy, which provides free first-year tuition, textbooks, and dedicated RISE advisors to incoming freshmen. These investments have driven record results: Fall 2025 brought an 83 percent surge in first-time freshmen—the largest class in over a decade—along with a 70 percent retention rate. Under her leadership, CSU also earned its first-ever Carnegie research designation, recognizing the university's growing commitment to research and academic excellence. 

President Scott's impact extends well beyond CSU's campus. In 2021, she co-founded the National Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions, and her advocacy helped catalyze the formation of the first Congressional PBI Caucus in 2023. She has also positioned CSU as a community anchor, leading the 95th Street Corridor development plan that will bring new student housing and retail to Chicago's South Side. 

"This recognition belongs to the entire Chicago State University community—our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who work every day to prove that excellence and access are not mutually exclusive," said President Scott. "Our record enrollment growth and leadership in building national advocacy for institutions like ours demonstrate that Predominantly Black institutions are championing equity and creating the diverse leaders of tomorrow." said Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott, President of Chicago State University. 

The Trailblazer Award is reserved exclusively for presidents, chancellors, and provosts and serves as a benchmark of excellence at the highest levels of higher education leadership. 

"These leaders are not simply managing change. They are creating it," said Lenore Pearlstein, co-publisher of Insight into Academia. "Trailblazers reimagine what higher education can be and then build the systems, partnerships, and cultures to make that vision real." 

To learn more about the 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award and view all honorees, visit Insight into Academia.

About Chicago State University 

Founded in 1867, Chicago State University is the oldest public university in the Chicago metropolitan area. CSU's four colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting programs. As Illinois' only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution, CSU is committed to equity in education and ranked in the top 4 percent of universities nationwide in economic mobility. For more information, visit www.csu.edu.