Drawing on findings from the author's recently published COVID-19 study (Strayhorn, 2022), the purpose of this article is to highlight some of the major lessons that HEI leaders learned while navigating the uncertainties of the global pandemic, especially in terms of fostering a strong sense of belonging. First, the author defines sense of belonging in higher education based on current literature. Then practical examples of how HEI leaders facilitated, maintained, or restored a sense of belonging for campus constituents despite the existential threat of COVID-19 are presented. A final section presents three takeaway leadership lessons that may prove useful to many leaders faced with crisis management, regardless of institutional sector, control, or mission.