Biography of Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, President


Charlene Drew Jarvis is a highly recognized leader in Washington, DC, President of Southeastern University, a former elected official and scientist. She is a nationally-known speaker on legislative policy, health science and economic issues.

Dr. Jarvis was one of the longest-serving and most powerful members of the Council of the District of Columbia. In that capacity she served as Chairman Pro Tempore of the Council and Chair of the Committee on Economic Development. She also served as the Chair of the Board of the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments.

Her admirable careers in science and politics were enhanced when in July 1996, she accepted the appointment as the ninth President of Southeastern University, the first woman to hold this position. President Jarvis believes that government, business, and higher education are critical partners in building a stronger economy.

In 2007, she began serving as chairman of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. Southeastern is one of the 15 member institutions.
Dr. Jarvis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College, her Master of Science degree from Howard University and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Neuropsychology from the University of Maryland. She conducted brain research at the National Institute of Mental Health before her career in politics.

Dr. Jarvis's legacy as the daughter of Dr. Charles R. Drew, the noted blood bank pioneer, has given her special perspective as an advocate for science and health education. Dr. Jarvis has served on the boards of, or as an advisor to: The National Institute of Mental Health, The Washington Chapter of the American Red Cross, The Breast Cancer Task Force of the Department of Health and Human Services, The Women's Health Initiative of the National Institutes of Health, The National Museum of Health and the National Bone Marrow Program.

Dr. Jarvis is the mother of Ernest and the late Peter Jarvis and has two grandsons, Ernest Drew Jarvis II and Jacob Drew Jarvis.


Professional Achievements

Dr. Jarvis is a member of the Executive Committee of the Federal City Council; a former chair of the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce; a former Chair of the Board of Trade's Community Business Partnership; is a member of the Board of Directors of the BB&T Regional Bank, Washington Office; former Chair of the Board of Directors of the Washington Convention and Tourism Corporation; a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

She serves on the boards of the District of Columbia Education Compact; the Community Foundation of the National Capital Region; the Hillwood Museum; Studio Theatre; and the National Committee on Economic Development (CED).

As the President of Southeastern University she has strengthened the academic curriculum in order to produce graduates who are critical thinkers with exit competencies to meet challenges in today's marketplace and in society.

As Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Dr. Jarvis spearheaded efforts to stabilize the financial foundation of the District of Columbia to answer the city's financial crisis through major economic development projects The Verizon Center and the new Convention Center continue to be major drivers of economic prosperity in the District of Columbia.

Dr. Jarvis’ leadership has been recognized by more than 100 awards for her professional and civic accomplishments, including honorary degrees from Amherst College, George Washington University and Oberlin College. Dr. Jarvis was named one of the "1999 Washingtonians of the Year" by Washingtonian Magazine. The Women's Business Center, Inc. honored her for her outstanding support of women-owned businesses over the years and has been named again as one of the 150 most powerful people in Washington by Washingtonian magazine.