The Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees has announced the selection of Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan as the University's eighth president effective 8/1/2024. Dr. Bell-Jordan has been serving as Interim President of NEIU since July 2023. Her journey at NEIU began in 1997 when she joined as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre (CMT). She has since held various leadership roles, including serving as CMT Department Chair, Associate Dean in NEIU's College of Arts and Sciences, and Interim Dean. Dr. Bell-Jordan holds a Ph.D. in Rhetorical Studies and Media Studies and M.A. in Rhetorical Studies at the Ohio University School of Interpersonal Communication and a B.S.J. in News Editorial Journalism from the Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Read more.
Rancho Santiago Community College District has successfully appointed Ms. Kristin Olson as their Vice Chancellor for Human Resources. Ms. Olson will begin her new role on July 29, 2024. With over 20 years of experience in Personnel/Human Resources, 18 of which have been at the administrative level, Ms. Olson is an excellent fit for this position. Ms. Olson currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Human Resources at Long Beach City College where she oversaw all HR operations, both academic and classified, for 3,000 employees and 20,000 students. As Associate VP, Ms. Olson evaluated and successfully redesigned the Human Resources Department for maximum efficiency. She also revised and updated the EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) Plan which is divided into 13 parts, addressing topics relevant to diversity and inclusion thereby providing a comprehensive EEO program for the College. Ms. Olson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication Studies from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) as well as a Master of Arts from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
Portland State University has successfully appointed Dr. Qing Hu as their next Dean of the School of Business. Dr. Hu will begin his new role August 1, 2024. Dr. Hu is a proven leader with an expertise in cybersecurity and the impacts of technology on society and business. He currently serves as the Dean of the Koppelman School of Business and Professor of Business Management at Brooklyn College—The City University of New York. He holds a Doctorate and a Master's in Computer Information Systems from The University of Miami, a Master's in Mechanical Engineering from the Chinese Academy of Machinery Science in Beijing, China, and a Bachelor's in Engineering from Lanzhou University of Technology in Lanzhou, China. Read more.
The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) has successfully appointed Dr. Framroze “Fram” M. Virjee as their next President, effective 8/19/2024. Dr. Virjee is president emeritus of California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). He has an extensive history in higher education leadership. Prior to becoming president of CSUF, Dr. Virjee served as executive vice chancellor, general counsel, and secretary to the board of trustees at the California State University System. He reported directly to the CSU Board of Trustees and provided legal counsel and advice on critical topics such as open meeting laws, rules and procedures, compliance requirements, collective bargaining, and more. He also oversaw comprehensive Title IX training and orientation for all presidents and championed a comprehensive review and revamping of the Title IX function at CSU. Before his tenure at CSU, Dr. Virjee was a partner at O’Melveny & Myers, one of the largest and oldest law firms in the United States. Dr. Virjee is a first-generation college student. He received his JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law (since renamed the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco), and a bachelor of arts degree (summa cum laude) in political science and sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has served on multiple boards, including (but not limited to) the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation, National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA), and the Big West athletic conference. In addition, Dr. Virjee and his wife, Julie, are co-founders of Yambi Rwanda, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of Rwandans through the sustained provision of basic human needs and equitable access to quality education through the celebration of Rwanda’s culture and arts. Read more.
The Board of Trustees of the City Colleges of Chicago has successfully appointed Dr. Andres A. Oroz as President of Wilbur Wright College. He will assume the position on July 1, 2024. Dr. Oroz most recently served as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Oregon Coast Community College. Prior positions include Associate Vice President of Student Life at Roxbury Community College and Associate Dean of Academic Services in the School of Education at Loyola University Chicago. He earned his Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies and his M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso and his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Metropolitan College of New York has successfully appointed Dr. Charles J. Gibbs as its seventh president, effective July 1st. Dr. Gibbs brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration, spanning over 25 years. His previous roles include Vice President for University Affairs and Chief of Staff and President of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium at Clark Atlanta University, Dean and Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Miles College in Alabama and Vice Provost at Howard University from which he holds three degrees (Ed.D., M.Ed. in Education Administration and Policy, and BBA in Marketing) and has been a prominent figure in policy, accreditation, legislation, strategic partnerships and fundraising throughout his career. Most recently, Dr. Gibbs served as the Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., where he oversaw the organization’s work in mentoring African American youth nationwide. Read more.
Misericordia University has successfully appointed Dr. Lisa May Norton as their new Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education effective 9/1/24. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Norton brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration and a strong commitment to advancing social justice and fostering inclusive academic environments. She joins Misericordia University from Touro University California, where she served as Dean for the College of Education and Health Sciences. Her tenure at Touro was marked by her leadership in enhancing student support services, securing grants for mentoring programs, and spearheading strategic enrollment management initiatives that significantly improved student retention and success. Dr. Norton holds an Ed.D. in Education Leadership from The University of Texas at San Antonio, an MA in Psychology, Social Psychology from San Francisco State University, and a BS in Psychology from The University of North Texas. Read more.
Slippery Rock University (SRU) has successfully appointed Mr. Troy Miller as their new Vice President for University Advancement. Mr. Miller will begin work at SRU on August 1. Mr. Miller, who previously served as the Vice President of Development at York College in Pennsylvania, brings more than 30 years of development experience, including a 20-year background in higher education advancement. Mr. Miller will be responsible for providing development strategies, building philanthropic partnerships, and overseeing the University's relationship with the Slippery Rock University Foundation, Inc. Reporting to the President, he will lead the University's Advancement Office, which consists of nine staff members. During his six years at York College, Mr. Miller led the first comprehensive campaign in the college’s 250-year history, helping raise nearly $93 million with a goal of $50 million. His previous roles include Senior Director of Development at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business (2015-18), Executive Director and Chief Development Officer at the Lock Haven University Foundation (2013-16), and Director of Individual Giving at Penn State University (2009-13). A native of Middletown, Pennsylvania, Mr. Miller earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Temple University. Read more.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania has successfully appointed Ms. Jennifer DeAngelo, CFRE, as their new Vice President for University Advancement. Ms. DeAngelo begin her duties on July 8. In her new position, Ms. DeAngelo will oversee University Advancement, comprised of the offices of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, Development and Fundraising, Strategic Partnerships, Engagement and University Events, and Advancement Services. Ms. DeAngelo has worked in advancement for over fifteen years. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Development at York College of Pennsylvania, where she oversees all advancement operations and holds primary responsibility for leadership and planned giving. She also provided leadership for the launch of the college’s first comprehensive campaign in its 230 years, raising $92 million towards a goal of $50 million and increasing alumni giving by nearly 60%. Ms. DeAngelo previously held the position of Director of Annual Giving and Advancement Services at the Lock Haven University Foundation and worked in athletics fundraising at Penn State. She has also served as a consultant to many nonprofits to guide them through the campaign process and overall advancement office planning.