Chancellor Emeritus Philip P.ÌýDiStefano
- Newton Chair in Leadership
- Senior Executive Director

Chancellor Emeritus Phil DiStefano has spent his entire professional career as a leader within the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community, serving as an educator, dean, provost and chancellor.
A first-generation college graduate, DiStefano joined the campus in 1974 as an assistant professor in the School of Education. He currently serves as the Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Chair in Leadership, overseeing 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s prestigious leadership programs as the Senior Executive Director of the Center for Leadership.
A resident of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø for more than 40 years, DiStefano has been active in local, regional and national organizations, including leadership roles within the Association of American Universities, NCAA and Pac-12 athletic conference. He serves on the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Community Health Board of Directors and maintains close connections with numerous other civic organizations, including many where he has held leadership and advisory positions in the past. He holds degrees from The Ohio State University and West Virginia University.
DiStefano is committed to making 51³Ô¹ÏÍø a nationally recognized institution that shapes tomorrow’s leaders and has a positive impact on humanity. He is a proud supporter of Buffs athletics, a champion of democracy, and a believer in the value of town-gown partnerships.
He and his wife, Yvonne, have three daughters and two grandchildren.