Profiles

Janet Clark is provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (IN). During her 12-year tenure in this role, she has been instrumental in the college’s transition to a fully coeducational institution and in the development and implementation of both a new nursing program and the institution’s first doctoral program. […]

Tarshia Stanley began her appointment as provost and vice president for academic affairs at St. Olaf College (MN) in 2025. She previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Wagner College (NY). Prior to Wagner, she served as dean of the school of humanities, arts, and sciences at St. Catherine University (MN) […]

Catharine E. O’Connell has served as provost at Illinois College since 2016. She previously served as chief academic officer at two other institutions: Mary Baldwin College (now University) (VA) and Defiance College (OH). Prior to those roles, she held the positions of dean for academic affairs at Cabrini College (now closed) (PA) and faculty member […]

John D. Kolander, provost of Wisconsin Lutheran College, has served as the college’s chief academic officer since 2004. Previously, he was a teacher and administrator for Lutheran elementary and high schools in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Kolander’s research interests include campus and organization culture, curriculum development, and leadership development. He is a frequent presenter at CIC’s […]

Emilee Jane O’Dell joined the CIC staff as projects coordinator in 2021 and was promoted to program manager for presidential engagement. In this role, she provides support for the annual Presidents Institute, Presidential Renewal Program, and a variety of other programs in this general area. O’Dell graduated from Roanoke College in 2021 with a major […]

Sherita C. Ashmon joined CIC in 2010 and is the director of State Council programs and networks support. She serves as the primary CIC liaison to State Council members and provides leadership and support to the core services offered by the State Council program. Before joining CIC, Sherita served as membership coordinator for the Community […]

Christopher Dodds joined CIC in 2010 and serves as senior director of digital communications and strategy. He joined CIC through the merger with the Foundation for Independent Higher Education. His responsibilities include CIC’s website, listservs, email communications, and IT infrastructure and support. Dodds previously held research positions for several policy and research organizations. Dodds studied […]

Anita Jones Thomas is the executive vice president and provost at St. Catherine University. In her role as the chief academic officer, Thomas provides strategic leadership for academics at St. Catherine’s. She created and now leads the implementation of the university’s first Academic Master Plan, which supports the university’s strategic plan. Thomas has more than […]

Aimee Sapp is vice president for academic affairs at William Woods University (MO). She has led the initiation of academic reorganization, the establishment of program prioritization, and the implementation of budgetary process reforms. Sapp previously served as a department chair, division chair, and associate dean. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, she is a tenured […]

Kathleen A. Rinehart, principal of Conflict Consultants Network, works with colleges and universities across the country as a facilitator, leadership coach, and consultant regarding the implementation of supervisory best practices and communication tools that assist academic leaders and faculty members to manage departmental and other organizational conflict. Rinehart served as the ninth president of Cardinal […]