SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Following a nationwide search, Bryant University has appointed Chris Lehman as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Vice President of Human Resources. Lehman, a seasoned HR leader with experience across both higher education and industry, will begin at Bryant on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Lehman joins Bryant after serving as CHRO at the University of Vermont, where he positioned human resources as a strategic partner by aligning HR practices with institutional goals and enhancing the employee experience. His career also includes senior leadership roles in industry at OTC Industrial Technologies, Myers Industries, and Hillenbrand. He holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a BS from Manchester College.
“Chris brings with him the leadership, vision, and collaborative spirit to help us continue our people-centered culture at Bryant,” said President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “I look forward to the important contributions he will make and working with him to advance the university's mission and our Vision 2030 strategic plan.”
During a recent campus visit, members of the Bryant community had the opportunity to meet Lehman in small group settings and a public forum, where he shared insights into his professional background and expressed enthusiasm for joining the Bryant community. Those conversations offered a glimpse into his leadership philosophy and his commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture.
“I am thrilled to join the Bryant University leadership team at such a pivotal time. Bryant’s student-focused mission, paired with its consistent standing in the top 1% for lifetime return on investment, reflects both impact and excellence,” Lehman says. “I am especially energized by the Vision 2030 strategy, which positions Bryant to lead with innovation and agility, while building a sustainable business model that ensures long-term strength in higher education. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated faculty and staff whose commitment drives the mission and success of the institution.”
Outside of his professional life, Lehman values relationships and community. He and his wife, Jennifer Lehman, are the parents of four children, two of whom are still in college. He is passionate about higher education and community engagement and brings optimism, energy, and a collaborative mindset to his role at Bryant.
Lehman succeeds Tim Paige, who will retire after serving as Bryant’s HR leader since 2016.
About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student educational outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu