Ryan DeBoef

Ryan has been in his role since July 2014. He is responsible for facilitating the university’s achievement of its state and federal legislative agendas and coordinating the governmental relations activities of the university. Prior to becoming Chief of Staff, he served as legal counsel for Missouri State University for almost four years. Before arriving at […]

Rick Berkey

Rick holds a dual role at Michigan Technological University. He is as Professor of Practice in the Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MMET) and Director of the Enterprise Program, housed in the Pavlis Honors College (PHC). Since 2015, Rick has led Enterprise – an innovative multi-year, interdisciplinary, project-based, and industrial-sponsored program – available […]

Norma Rodenburg

Norma has 20 years of experience in a diverse range of student affairs positions. In her current role, she oversees a diverse portfolio of administrative and student services functions, recently having led the development of the strategic plan. Her career began with the University of Alberta student association Students’ Union where she oversaw the orientation […]

Melissa Padfield

Melissa has 20 years of experience working in higher education and currently serves as Deputy Provost (Students and Enrollment) at the University of Alberta. She has held various roles within student affairs and academic administration. She has lead a number of institution- wide initiatives including acting as the administrative lead for the Student Service stream […]

Dr. Shaunna Payne Gold

Shaunna (she/her/hers) is an educator, higher education administrator, ordained minister, and highly sought-after consultant in the equity and inclusion marketplace. Her primary goal is to support the Division of Academic Affairs by attracting, advancing, and retaining diverse staff, faculty, and librarians. Working in tandem with the Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity and the Office […]

Dr. Leah Cox

Leah provides the leadership and vision for creating a more inclusive campus for students, faculty, and staff, who works collaboratively with all members of the campus and surrounding community. She is a recognized leader and popular keynote speaker who has created innovative programs and initiatives, led policy development and strategic planning efforts and has designed […]

Mary Spilde, Ph.D.

Mary Spilde is a coach and consultant with over 30 years’ experience in higher education. She has extensive experience delivering leadership and organizational development programs. Mary consults with colleges and non-profits to develop emotionally intelligent and results-oriented organizations. Her consulting work includes engagement with boards of trustees, presidents, and senior leadership teams to clarify roles, […]

Sarah M. Zehr Gantz

Sarah brings more than 20 years of experience in industry and academia, and in her current role, she works with the three universities in the University of Illinois system on common academic issues. Her success depends on relationship-building, collaboration, negotiation, and (occasionally) a gift for managing conflict. Sarah also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor […]

Amy Morton

Amy is a skilled educational leader who has served in diversified cabinet-level roles in academic institutions and in the for-profit sector. A dynamic executive known for a collaborative approach, an analytical mindset, and a bias for action, she brings more than 25 years of business leadership to her work. As a highly successful product, marketing, […]

Karen Souter

Karen guides academic faculty in developing leadership skills, advancing their careers, and creating alignment between their work and life. Karen is an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a practicing physician anesthesiologist with an international medical career spanning over 30 years. Her experience as a national leader in academic medicine and education informs her work as […]