Profiles

Christoph Kunkel joined CIC in 2004 and is the senior vice president and chief of staff. He is responsible for CIC’s administrative and financial operations, and he plays a key role in shaping CIC’s technology and investment activities. He serves as the main liaison to the CIC Board of Directors. A native of Germany, Kunkel […]

Philip M. Katz became CIC’s director of projects in 2013 and senior director of projects in 2023. His portfolio at CIC has included faculty development programs in philosophy and the public humanities, a national network devoted to the legacies of American slavery, and a consortium for online humanities instruction. Trained as an American historian, he […]

​After serving at two CIC member institutions, Susan Jenkins joined CIC in 2022 as assistant vice president and was promoted to vice president for marketing and communication to implement a new “digital-first” communications strategy. She previously led brand marketing and reputation efforts as assistant vice president of marketing and communications at Shenandoah University. Jenkins also […]

Marjorie Hass became president of the Council of Independent Colleges in 2021, after years of strengthening independent higher education in various leadership roles. From 2017 until her appointment to the CIC presidency, Hass served as president of Rhodes College. During that time, she expanded the college’s engagement with the city of Memphis, enhanced inclusive excellence, […]

Stephen Gibson joined CIC in 2001 and serves as director of programs. He oversees a wide range of projects, including the Presidents Governance Academy and seminars on Art History and Teaching Interfaith Understanding. Before joining CIC, he worked for many years as a bicycle messenger during which time he cofounded a zine called Mobile City […]

​Alonso De Los Rios joined CIC in 2022 and is the conference coordinator. He is responsible for the event registration process, logistics management, and providing client service for each CIC event. Previously, he worked for Strayer University as a faculty support & business development coordinator, as well as a logistics and finance associate for the […]

Allison Barkley joined CIC in 2022 and is the communication operations specialist. In this role, she drafts, edits, and manages correspondence, reports and newsletters, social media and website posts, and other communications on behalf of CIC. Before joining CIC, Barkley worked as a development coordinator in the Office of Principal Gifts at Johns Hopkins University, […]

Allison Blackburn joined CIC in 2005. As vice president for conferences, her responsibilities include contract negotiations and logistical management of CIC’s conferences. Prior to joining CIC, Blackburn served as manager of conferences and meetings for the International Life Sciences Institute with responsibility for managing multiple international conferences each year. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, […]

Sarah Ferguson is the vice president for strategic initiatives and partnerships at Texas Lutheran University. In this role, she leads the academic endeavors of the university, including all academic programs, the library, the registrar, and the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness. She also works closely with faculty, program directors, and department chairs to implement […]

Tynisha D. Willingham joined Eastern Mennonite University (VA) as provost and vice president of academic affairs in 2023. She has more than 20 years of experience in academia as a staff member, a faculty member, and an administrator. Most recently, Willingham served as vice president of academic affairs, chief academic officer, and professor of education at […]