Damián J. Fernández is an American academic administrator and political scientist who served as the fifth president of Eckerd College. Fernández assumed office on July 1, 2020, succeeding Donald R. Eastman III and resigned on August 1, 2022. Early life and education Fernández was born in Cuba and immigrated to Puerto Rico as a child. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations with a minor in Latin American studies from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. He later earned a Master of Arts in Latin American studies from the University of Florida and PhD in international relations from the University of Miami. Career Fernández began his career as a high school educator at Phillips Academy. He later worked as an instructor at Colorado College and associate dean at St. Thomas University. Fernández served as vice president for academic affairs at the State University of New York at Purchase and vice provost at Florida International University. Fernández served as CEO and head of school of Ethical Culture Fieldston School. From 2016 to 2020, Fernández served as chancellor of the Penn State Abington. He assumed office as president of Eckerd College on July 1, 2020, succeeding Donald R. Eastman III. As an academic, Fernández's research focuses on international relations and Cuban politics. References Presidents of Eckerd College Eckerd College faculty Princeton School of Public and International Affairs alumni University of Miami alumni University of Florida alumni State University of New York at Purchase faculty Colorado College faculty St. Thomas University (Florida) faculty Florida International University faculty Pennsylvania State University faculty Living people American academic administrators American political scientists Year of birth missing (living people)