Dr. James Antony has been appointed as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of San Diego, effective March 1, 2026. Dr. Antony comes to USD following his tenure as Executive Vice President and Provost at George Mason University, the largest and most diverse research university in Virginia. Prior to his role at George Mason, he served as the dean of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs at UC San Diego. Dr. Antony has held notable academic leadership roles at Harvard, Yale and the University of Washington. From 2015 to 2019, he served as the faculty director of the Higher Education Program in the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University and co-directed Harvard’s Management Development Program. As an associate provost at Yale University from 2012 to 2015, he focused on faculty development and the promotion of undergraduate student leadership. His 17-year tenure at the University of Washington was marked by numerous leadership roles, including associate vice provost for graduate education, associate dean for the College of Education and director of two academic programs; he also facilitated the development of new graduate degree and certificate programs across the university, and created and led the Center for Leadership in Athletics, and its associated professional degree programs. Dr. Antony received his BA in psychology, and his MA and PhD in higher education and organizational change, all from UCLA. Read more.
Dr. David Cook has been appointed as the new President at Iowa State University. Dr. Cook has led North Dakota State University since 2022. His accomplishments include the launch of a data-driven strategic plan that reversed 10 years of declining enrollment and revenues and invested in student advising and mentoring programs that increased retention of first-year students by 3% and graduation rates by 12%. During his tenure, NDSU’s research funding and expenditures increased to historic levels and Dr. Cook helped launch fundraising efforts for initiatives to build leaders in artificial intelligence and drive solutions for modern agriculture. Prior to North Dakota State, Dr. Cook served as vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development at the University of Kansas. He also held several leadership roles at the University of Kansas Medical Center. As a faculty researcher, Dr. Cook was a principal or co-principal investigator on grants totaling nearly $11 million in external funding. He has published nearly 70 articles, book chapters, and abstracts, and has taught more than 25 courses in subjects including: health policy and management; diffusion, adoption and implementation of innovation; business and organizational communication; and strategic marketing. Dr. Cook earned a bachelor's degree in political science and speech communication from Iowa State University. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees, both in organizational communication, from the University of Kansas. Read more.
Dr. Brad Mortensen has been appointed as the new president of Utah State University. As noted in the press release, "Dr. Mortensen has served as president of Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, since 2019, where he has led WSU to multiple recognitions for outstanding return on investment for graduates, established the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions (MARS) Center in partnership with the Utah Legislature, the U.S. Air Force and the aerospace and defense industry, and overseen the establishment of new graduate education programs including the Doctor of Nursing Practice." A Utah State University (USU) Alumnus, Dr. Mortensen received his Bachelor's Degree from USU in Political Science, a Master's degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. Dr. Mortensen will begin his responsibilities with USU on November 10, 2025. Read more.
Ms. Penny Reardon as the new Vice President for Finance and Treasurer at Bridgewater College, effective December 27, 2025. Ms. Reardon currently serves as the Director of Finance and Budget at Bridgewater, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to her time at Bridgewater, she served as the Executive Dean of Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer at Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College for 11 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Business Administration, both from Eastern Mennonite University.
Michael Ibba, Ph.D. has been appointed as the new executive vice president, provost, and chief academic officer at Chapman University. Dr. Ibba currently serves as interim provost. Dr. Ibba, who earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry with honors from the University of London and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Manchester, is an internationally known and award-winning microbiologist and researcher. He came to Chapman with significant R1 credentials from The Ohio State University. He served several progressively responsible positions at Ohio State starting in 2001, culminating in his roles as chair of the Department of Microbiology and associate director of the Infectious Diseases Institute. He joined Chapman in 2020 as Dean of the Schmid College of Science and Technology; he advanced the Schmid College’s academic offerings and research footprint in meaningful ways. His achievements include: the college successfully increased total student enrollments by 9% and the total number of credits taught by 18%; total grant funding awarded for research also increased by 300% with year-over-year publication growth; the college launched evidence-based faculty mentor training as a requirement for faculty to participate in a new program that provides credit for mentoring undergraduate researchers; and he helped to develop and launch a new doctoral program in Math, Physics, and Philosophy. Read more.
Mr. Brent White has been appointed as the new President at Golden Gate University. Mr. White will officially assume his new role on November 1, 2025. Mr. White currently serves as Chief Global Officer at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, where he directs all aspects of global engagement for the campus, and as Professor of Law at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Prior to joining the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Mr. White served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Golden Gate University, leading the creation of new programs and international partnerships that significantly expanded the university's student body and its global impact. Mr. White earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from New York University School of Law, and his A.B., magna cum laude, in Public Policy from Duke University. His legal scholarship has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, and 60 Minutes. Read more.
Mr. Jack Hershey has been appointed as the new Vice President of Strategy and Institutional Advancement at the Community College of Denver. Mr. Hershey will officially begin his new role on October 1, 2025. Mr. Hershey most recently served as the President and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) leading Ohio’s 23 Community Colleges in advocacy, student success, and professional development. As President and CEO, Mr. Hershey led strategic efforts across the colleges to secure more than $1 billion in new investment from both public and private sources. That funding directly supported campus expansion, capital upgrades, the implementation of student success strategies, student scholarships, and workforce innovation. During his time at OCAA, graduation rates climbed, campus programming expanded, and colleges became more resilient and responsive to their communities. At the Community College of Denver, Mr. Hershey believes he can bring the same blend of strategic insight, advancement alignment, and deep commitment to mission. He understands how to build a culture of giving – not only through formal fundraising channels, but by positioning the college as a dynamic and essential community partner. He has worked closely with boards, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and led complicated communications strategies that shift public perception in order to galvanize new support. Mr. Hershey holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy Management from the University of Akron in Ohio, as well as a Master’s in Management and Leadership from Western Governor’s University in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis has been appointed as the new Chancellor at Colorado Community College System. Dr. DeSanctis will officially assume her new role on October 1, 2025. Dr. DeSanctis currently serves as President of the Community College of Denver (CCD), where she has championed student success, expanded workforce-driven innovation, and strengthened strategic partnerships across the Denver metro region. Prior to joining CCD, Dr. DeSanctis served as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Broward College, a nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution in Florida. Dr. DeSanctis is the first Latina to lead the Colorado Community College System. With more than 26 years of cross-sector leadership spanning K–12 education, higher education, and workforce development, Dr. DeSanctis brings a unique and comprehensive perspective that aligns closely with CCCS’s 2030 Strategic Plan. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University, a Master of Math Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. Read more.
Mr. Brian Gagnon has been appointed as the new Executive Director for Board Relations and Volunteer Engagement at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation. He will officially begin his new role on September 22, 2025. Mr. Gagnon is a mission-driven advancement professional with over 15 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as the Director of Board and Leadership Volunteer Relations at the University of Vermont Foundation, where he leads operational support for Foundation board members, leadership, and staff, advancing governance practices, committee effectiveness, and engagement strategies aligned with institutional priorities. His previous roles include Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Plymouth State University and Volunteer and Communications Coordinator for Squam Lakes Association. Mr. Gagnon holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from Plymouth State University‘s Center for the Environment and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Plymouth State University.