Family Leadership Council

Welcome to Tulane University and to our vibrant community of parents and families. As chairs of the Family Leadership Council, we are honored to support the extraordinary experience students have here. 

Tulane is defined not only by academic excellence, spirited engagement, and a deep commitment to service, but also by the families who stand behind its students. We’ve had the joy of watching our daughters Carenna (B ’26, B *27) and Alana (SSE ‘28) grow, explore, and thrive here. 

The collective philanthropy of the Family Leadership Council expands opportunities across scholarships, research, student life, and community impact. It’s incredibly meaningful to see how this generosity directly enhances the Tulane experience for current students and those who will follow. 

We hope you’ll stay connected and consider joining the Family Leadership Council. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your engagement and make a lasting difference alongside other committed families. 

Thank you for being part of Tulane and for all you do to support its mission. 

Michael and Cheryl Johnson 
2026–27 Family Leadership Council Chairs

Tulane University Family Leadership Council is convened by the university president. Bringing the perspective of a geographically and professionally diverse group of undergraduate parents and family members, the council has the opportunity to work closely with the dean of the undergraduate college and the vice-president of student affairs on issues related to the undergraduate experience including policies, activities, programs, and goals. The Family Leadership Council currently includes over 200 families from 23 states with representation from each of the undergraduate classes. Care is taken to provide representation of the undergraduate college, schools and units at the University.

Appointments to the Family Leadership Council are for terms coinciding with their student’s enrollment at Tulane and are effective upon acceptance to the Council. Potential members may be invited at any point during the undergraduate experience and may continue during graduate and professional school. Families are encouraged to remain involved as emeritus members upon their student’s graduation if desired. Terms are reviewed annually at the end of each fiscal year.

The Family Leadership Council meets multiple times per year during the fall and spring semesters. The format of the meetings allows for in-depth presentation of important issues, feedback sessions where University leaders gather strategic advice and ideas, and open discussion to encourage Council members’ suggestions.

• Hands-on input and advice regarding the Tulane undergraduate experience.
• Opportunities to enhance and facilitate communication between Tulane administrators and families.
• Networking with other Tulane families and alumni in your area, on campus and across the country.
• Occasions to engage with senior university administrators and key faculty.
• Reception with senior administrators and your student while on campus for the fall and spring meeting.
• Invitations to Family Leadership Council students for premium programming.
• Invitations to receptions and meals held during board and council events on campus.
• Invitations to Tulane events in your area.
• Reserved seating at Unified Commencement Ceremony (number of tickets available to each family
  to be determined annually)

• Regularly attend semi-annual Family Leadership Council meetings held on Tulane’s campus or virtually in the fall and spring.
• Represent Tulane and endorse university priorities, goals, policies, programs and activities to other families and other communities with which the individual council members associate.
• Make Tulane a personal philanthropic priority. Members generously contribute an annual gift of unrestricted funds while serving on the Family Leadership Council. Members are expected to donate a five-figure ($10,000) or greater gift each year of their council term. Above and beyond annual support, members are asked to consider a six-figure gift commitment before their student graduates. A gift to any university program or project is welcomed.
• Serve as a Tulane ambassador in your region.
  • Participate in and promote parent involvement in regional events such as university town hall meetings, faculty lectures and regional admission receptions.
  • Host events for parents, prospective students, incoming students and their families.
  • Make welcome calls to new parents your region.
  • Take part in enhancing both academic advising and career services by increasing student networking opportunities by participating in programs such as student mentorship and career, internship and externship programs.
  • Share Tulane news with personal contacts for inclusion in regional media outlets.
• Assist in fundraising at Tulane. Encourage overall parent giving to the Tulane Fund; bring potential funders (including corporations and foundations) and funding opportunities to our attention; and actively participate in campus and regional fundraising events and opportunities.
• Serve on an ad hoc committee as needs are identified. This is optional.
• Share with us additional volunteer opportunities for consideration and how you can assist Tulane in your area of expertise: familyleadershipcouncil@tulane.edu.