Dr. James P. Lentini, President of Molloy University, was named a recipient of Insight Into Academia Magazine’s 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award. This national honor recognizes senior leaders whose bold, strategic innovations have advanced institutional excellence, strengthened community and connectedness, and created meaningful, measurable impact for students, employees, and the broader academic ecosystem.
Dr. Lentini will be featured alongside 17 other distinguished honorees in the March 2026 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.
“President James Lentini’s recognition by Insight Into Academia as a trailblazer in higher education is a well-deserved testament to his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to student success,” said John J. Bishar, Jr., J.D., Chairperson, Molloy University Board of Trustees. “Under his guidance, Molloy University has strengthened its academic excellence, expanded its reach, and embraced innovative pathways that reflect the evolving needs of our students and our community. We are proud to have a leader whose passion, integrity, and forward-thinking approach continue to elevate Molloy’s mission and impact.”
Insight Into Academia selected President Lentini for this award based on his record of innovative leadership that has transformed Molloy by enacting strategies resulting in record high enrollment numbers, moving the institution from college to university status, receiving the selective Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, achieving status as an Hispanic Serving Institution, and nearly doubling the size of the endowment. New academic and operational initiatives have included a “Talent Solutions” program offering workforce development education to fulfill the needs of regional business partners in New York, development of a new physician assistant degree program, expansion of online certificates and degrees, and engagement of AI tools to enhance student recruitment and support.
Beginning his appointment as President in 2020, Dr. Lentini led Molloy in successfully navigating the pandemic, while bolstering the university’s financial footing and reputation. The Wall Street Journal has ranked Molloy University 75th in the country and 6th in the State of New York in its Best College Rankings for 2026, emphasizing student success after graduation.
Prior to his role as President of Molloy University, Dr. Lentini’s career accomplishments include shepherding the formation and initial accreditation of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in his role as Provost, grew the impact of the arts as Dean of the College of Creative Arts at Miami University (OH), served as the founding Dean of the School of Arts and Communication at The College of New Jersey, and was full professor at Wayne State University where he created the innovative Music Technology degree program.
As a nationally recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Lentini’s board and leadership positions include those on the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, the Long Island Arts Alliance, The Dominican Higher Education Council, the East Coast Conference President’s Council, and the Long Island Association.
In tandem with higher education leadership, Dr. Lentini established a career as a professor of music and award-winning composer, holding membership in the Recording Academy as a voting member for the Grammy Awards.
“We believe the future of higher education depends on leaders who are willing to challenge convention and embrace bold, impactful innovation,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “The 2026 Trailblazer honorees represent the highest levels of strategic leadership in the field, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments.”
