Linda Oubré  is a distinguished leader in higher education with extensive experience in corporate organizations and start-up ventures. Her expertise spans finance, strategic planning, business development, operations, and marketing within both Fortune 50 and start-up organizations.  

She currently holds the title of president emerita at Whittier College, after previously serving as president. During her role as president at Whittier, Oubré drove strategic initiatives, innovation, and fostered academic excellence for the Minority Serving Institution/Hispanic Serving Institution. Her focus on student success for all students resulted in attracting the largest gift in the college’s 135+ year history from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.    

Before her tenure at Whittier, she was the dean of the College of Business at San Francisco State University. In this role, she launched several degree and certificate programs and enhanced the college’s career development priorities and academic reputation. Oubré’s innovative leadership led to significant increases in the college’s donor base including a $25 million naming gift.  Oubré extensive career also includes senior leadership roles at BriteSmile, the Walt Disney Company, and the Los Angeles Times. 

 A first-generation college attendee, she received a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. She also serves on the board of directors for the College Futures Foundation and has numerous features in prestigious publications, including Women in Higher Education and Harvard Business School, showcasing her as a pivotal figure in the intersection of business and education.