PHILADELPHIA, April 12, 2023 — Mary Ellen Caro, Ed.D., president & CEO of Peirce College, has been named to the City and State Higher Education Power 100 list for the second year in a row.

Highlighted for her work championing programs that serve traditionally marginalized populations, Dr. Caro is specifically recognized for positioning the Philadelphia region for recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr. Caro has made innovation a cornerstone of her legacy at Peirce College,” said Toni Pergolin, Chair of the Peirce College Board of Trustees and President and CEO of Bancroft. “We are thrilled that City and State have recognized her leadership at the College and in higher education in the Commonwealth.”

Dr. Caro has been president and CEO of Peirce College since 2018. She is the first woman to hold this role. She previously served in myriad senior executive roles during her 14-year service at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, N.J., where she was responsible for a wide range of functions, including student affairs; strategic corporate and military partnerships; marketing; and enrollment management. Dr. Caro was also the founding Dean of the School of Business and Management. Before joining higher education, Dr. Caro built an impressive 25-year career at AT&T, where she progressed through several executive positions, culminating in several VP and Officer positions managing a global P&L portfolio.

Compiled annually, the Higher Education Power 100 identifies the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s most influential higher education leaders. The list highlights executives with industry leading innovation, experience and perseverance, as they navigate their institutions through an unprecedented market climate.

About Peirce College: 

Established in 1865, Peirce College is Pennsylvania’s only college dedicated exclusively to serving adult learners. Based in Philadelphia, the private, nonprofit college is a pioneer in online education and a regional leader in the assessment of prior learning. Today, Peirce continues its tradition of serving the unique needs of working adults through career-focused, accelerated, online programs that provide students with academic excellence, affordability and personalized support. Peirce offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Learn more at www.peirce.edu.