About the Authors

Authors from the 2019/2020 series “The Next Big Thing.”

Mary-Beth A. Cooper, Ph.D., D.M.

Mary-Beth A. Cooper, Ph.D., D.M., became the 13th President of Springfield College in August 2013, bringing to the College her experience from a long and distinguished career in higher education administration and community service.

Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.

Dr. Dianne F. Harrison is the fifth president of California State University, Northridge and began her appointment in June 2012.

Susan S. Hasseler, Ph.D.

A leader, teacher, and scholar with a deep commitment to the transformative power of an engaging and high-impact comprehensive liberal arts education, President Susan Schneider Hasseler is leading the Muskingum campus community in implementing multiple strategic action initiatives that will ensure a thriving future for each student and for the institution as a whole.

Chris Howard, D. Phil.

Dr. Chris Howard became the eighth president of Robert Morris University (RMU) in suburban Pittsburgh on February 1, 2016. RMU is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, enrolling approximately 5,000 students in four academic schools. The University’s mission is to be the gateway to engaged, productive, and successful careers and lives.

Susan Whealler Johnston, Ph.D.

Dr. Susan Whealler Johnston is president and CEO of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), a position she has held since August 1, 2018.

Mark Lombardi, Ph.D.

Dr. Mark Lombardi is the tenth President of Maryville University and has served since 2007. During his tenure, Maryville University has tripled enrollment to over 9,500 students hailing from 50 states and 60 countries.

Amy Novak, Ed.D.

Dr. Amy Novak became the 20th and first female president of Dakota Wesleyan University in June 2013.

Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D.

Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese was named the tenth president of Saint Leo University on July 26, 2018. He served as acting president of the University since the retirement of William J. Lennox Jr. on April 30, 2018. Previously, Senese was the University’s first provost and Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and provided oversight of all educational programs offered at the main campus, at its 35 education centers, and online.

Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble, Ph.D.

Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble was named the 11th President of Webster University in 2009. The Webster University system, a worldwide institution with 60 campus locations, including its home campus in St. Louis, Missouri, is the only Tier 1, private, nonprofit university with metropolitan and military base campuses across the U. S.; international residential campuses in Europe, Asia, and Africa; and a robust online presence.

Wim Wiewel, Ph.D.

Wim Wiewel is Lewis & Clark College’s 25th president. Since he took the helm in fall 2017, President Wiewel has brought new energy, vision, and focus to the community.

Gregory S. Woodward, D.M.A.

Gregory S. Woodward is the University of Hartford’s sixth president. In his nearly two-year tenure, he has energized the University community to embrace his commitment to help every student succeed and to know more about who they are—and how they interface with our diverse world—when they walk across the stage with their diploma.