Christopher Fisher named president of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute

The Intercollegiate Studies Institute has appointed Christopher Fisher as its next president, effective Nov. 1, 2026. Fisher returns after 12 years away, bringing experience in Catholic education and student programming as ISI looks to expand its mission on college campuses.

Why it matters: - Christopher Fisher will lead a 73-year-old organization that aims to shape how college students think about liberty, Western civilization and the American Founding. - The leadership change comes as ISI looks to deepen its campus presence and reach more students nationwide. - Fisher’s background in education and institutional leadership gives ISI a president with direct experience in student formation and school administration.

What happened: - The Intercollegiate Studies Institute Board of Trustees appointed Christopher Fisher as the organization’s new president. - Fisher will become ISI’s 9th president on Nov. 1, 2026. - Fisher succeeds Johnny Burtka, who became ISI president in September 2020. - ISI Chairman of the Board Mark C. Henrie announced the appointment.

The details: - Fisher previously worked at ISI as Digital Media Editor and Programs Director. - During that earlier stint, Fisher expanded ISI’s online capacity and in-person networks to bring programming to students, faculty and supporters nationwide. - Fisher most recently served as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. - In that role, Fisher oversaw more than 90 Catholic schools serving 24,000 students and their families across the Bay Area. - Before that, Fisher spent a decade in leadership at Portsmouth Abbey in Rhode Island. - At Portsmouth Abbey, Fisher served as Executive Director of the Portsmouth Institute for Faith and Culture. - Fisher holds a B.A. in Political Philosophy from Salve Regina University, an M.A. in Catholic Studies from the University of St. Thomas and a graduate certificate in School Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School. - ISI described Fisher’s appointment as a continuation of its decades-long tradition of educating students in the Western intellectual tradition. - More information

Between the lines: - Fisher’s return suggests ISI is leaning on a leader who already knows the organization’s culture, audience and programming model. - The move also signals continuity with ISI’s emphasis on conservative principles, faith-informed leadership and classical education. - Henrie said Fisher shares ISI’s mission to educate the next generation in enduring truths and virtues that built Western civilization. - Fisher said ISI’s work of educating for liberty remains vital and that he wants to bring the institute’s intellectual fellowship to more students.

What's next: - Fisher’s first major task will be to translate ISI’s mission into broader campus reach and stronger student engagement. - ISI is expected to continue programming for college students while under new leadership. - Burtka’s departure closes a period marked by programmatic development and institutional expansion, according to Henrie. - Fisher’s presidency begins Nov. 1, 2026.

The bottom line: - ISI is choosing an internal alumnus of its own mission and programming model to guide its next chapter.