Unlock your possibility
College offers a crossroads opportunity—the chance to unlock your possibility and reach your goals.
Oftentimes, arriving at your chosen destination means finding new paths. And paths of all kinds are what you’ll discover at LaGrange College, along with experienced guides for the journey.
I am who I am today because of the transformative power of my undergraduate college experience, and because of one professor who saw potential in me—and who took the time to nurture it.
That’s the kind of experience you will find here at LaGrange. This isn’t just another college—this is a support system. Our faculty and staff are here to help you discover your purpose, to find not only a career but also a calling.
It’s the LaGrange promise: Wherever you begin, whatever your dream, we promise you respect, challenge, inspiration and support as you work to fulfill your potential for success in life and career.
Dr. Susanna L. Baxter
LaGrange College President
Dr. Susanna L. Baxter became the 26th president of LaGrange College in July 2020.
Since arriving in LaGrange as a student-focused leader, Dr. Baxter has led the creation of both strategic and master plans for the college. She is now focused on planning a comprehensive fundraising campaign to celebrate the college's 200th anniversary in 2031. With the assistance of donors, she has spearheaded technology and learning-environment upgrades to five academic buildings. The college has added four new sports teams: women's flag football and golf, and men's and women's track. She also has guided the addition of several academic offerings, including undergraduate programs in manufacturing engineering technology and aviation, two master’s degrees—in computer science and higher education—and the college’s first doctoral degree, an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.
She is a summa cum laude graduate of Pfeiffer College with a degree in Christian education and religion. She holds a master’s in education in general administrative leadership and a doctorate in higher education leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University.
To start her higher education career, Dr. Baxter was director of residence life and intramural activities at Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina, before being named dean of students. In 2000, she joined Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association as head of member services and grants, eventually being named chief operating officer in 2007. While there, she worked to establish several collaborative organizations in order to better serve private colleges and to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and health and safety.
Dr. Baxter moved to Atlanta in 2010 as president of the Georgia Independent College Association, where she worked with 24 member colleges to advance student access and affordability. As the chief advocate for over $80 million in state student scholarships, she helped private colleges receive the highest increase in the state's flagship private college financial aid grant. Credited with transforming the organization into an effective advocacy and member-focused association over a decade, she was named President Emerita after her departure.
Committed to service, Dr. Baxter is a member of Rotary Club of LaGrange; the United Way of West Georgia Board; the University Senate of the United Methodist Church; the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities Board; and the Troup Strategy Center Board.
A lifelong United Methodist, Dr. Baxter enjoys teaching adult Sunday School classes. She is married to Mark Huffman, and they have two sons.