This is Elizabeth.
She’s an archaeologist.
But instead of just digging up the past, she’s shaping the future.
As the 21st President of the University of New Hampshire, she brings her deep appreciation for discovery, community, and education to every part of her leadership. For her, a university isn’t just an institution—it’s a place where knowledge is created, where ideas take root, and where people find a sense of belonging.
She is a first-generation college student who understands what it means to carve a path forward. And now, she’s using that perspective to make UNH a hub of opportunity, impact, and innovation.
The best part? She’s just getting started.
Elizabeth Chilton is the President of the University of New Hampshire. The University of New Hampshire is the state’s flagship public research institution, home to over 15,000 students and recognized with an R1 Carnegie Classification for its high research activity. As one of the few universities nationwide to hold land, sea, and space grant designations, UNH drives innovation across fields from environmental sustainability to aerospace, shaping discoveries that impact both New Hampshire and the world.
Links & notes:
This episode was recorded in Thompson Hall at the University of New Hampshire’s Durham campus.
Music provided by Sneaky Miles
Youtube
Episode Summary
What is your connection to New Hampshire?
We have strong ties to the Granite State. While we’ve spent much of our lives in Massachusetts and upstate New York, family connections brought us to New Hampshire often. One of our nephews even graduated from UNH, and we’re hoping to encourage the next generation to become Wildcats as well.
How has your background in archaeology influenced your career?
Archaeology has shaped how we think about research, discovery, and long-term impact. It’s about uncovering knowledge, making connections, and understanding the human experience—things that are valuable in leadership and higher education.
What is it like to return to New England and lead UNH?
It feels like a homecoming. The sense of community is strong, and whether it’s students recognizing us on campus, partnerships with local organizations, or reconnecting with former students who are now professionals in the field, there’s a deep-rooted connection here.
How does UNH fit into the broader New Hampshire community?
UNH is more than just a university—it’s a hub for innovation, education, and service. As a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution, we engage in research and initiatives that benefit not just the campus but the entire state and beyond.
What do you hope to leave as your legacy at UNH?
Higher education is about making a long-term impact. Whether it’s supporting 15,000 students, investing in faculty and staff, or strengthening the university’s role in the state, we hope to create lasting positive change that benefits future generations.
Why is UNH’s research status important?
UNH is classified as an R1 research university, meaning we are among the top institutions in the country for research. This distinction reflects our commitment to advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems, from environmental sustainability to space exploration.
How does UNH contribute to sustainability?
Sustainability is a major focus at UNH. We are the only university in New England with a STARS Platinum rating for sustainability and one of only eight in the country. From sustainable fisheries to innovative environmental research, we lead in this area.
How does UNH foster creativity and the arts?
Creativity thrives at UNH, both in academics and the surrounding community. There is a vibrant arts scene in NH— the Creative Guts podcast is a good example— and the university helps cultivate a space where artistic expression and innovation can flourish.
What role does community play in higher education?
A sense of belonging is essential. Whether through student organizations, research groups, or creative collaborations, universities provide spaces where students can find their passions, connect with peers, and feel part of something larger.
Why is college still valuable in today’s world?
College is about preparing students not just for their first job, but for the twists and turns of life. Beyond technical skills, higher education provides problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a support system that benefits students well into their futures.
How has your experience as a first-generation college student shaped your leadership?
Understanding what it’s like to navigate college without family guidance has made us more aware of the challenges students face. Programs that support first-generation students and create a sense of belonging are critical for student success.
What makes UNH unique compared to other public universities?
UNH consistently ranks as a top value university. Despite lower state funding than many peer institutions, we maximize resources, drive innovation, and create opportunities for students to succeed in ways that rival much larger schools.
Do you consider yourself an optimist?
Absolutely. Archaeology itself is a story of resilience—humans overcoming challenges, adapting, and progressing. Seeing the potential in education, research, and the next generation keeps us hopeful for the future.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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