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For release September 26, 2023 ACCU Welcomes New Executive Director Washington, DC—The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) welcomes Dr. Donna M. Carroll as executive director, a newly created position with the Association, who will become the ACCU President officially in Summer 2024. The titles notwithstanding, Dr. Carroll and Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, will be sharing presidential duties this academic year, with Fr. Holtschneider reducing to half time to begin work on two scholarly projects. Dr. Carroll was the unanimous choice of the ACCU Board of Directors and was recruited by the board for this position. She enjoys enormous respect among member presidents of the nation's Catholic colleges and universities, serving as a presidential mentor over the years and admired for her commitment and dedication to Catholic higher education. When asked about Dr. Carroll, Fr. Holtschneider shared, “Many think highly of her 27 years of presidential leadership at Dominican University and are glad their association is led by someone who understands the challenges facing Catholic higher education in the present moment.” Prior to joining the Association, Dr. Carroll served with distinction as president of Dominican University, IL, from 1994 to 2021. She recently completed a two-year appointment as an Interfaith America Fellow, helping navigate their higher education practice, while simultaneously serving as interim president of North Central College from 2022-2023. “This is a challenging time for Catholic higher education. ACCU’s visibility and value to its members have increased with Fr. Holtschneider’s leadership. I look forward to building on that foundation to help ensure the Association’s continuing impact and relevance,” stated Dr. Carroll about joining ACCU. A counselor educator by discipline, Dr. Carroll speaks and writes about leadership, vocation, and resilience. She has been a facilitator for the Council of Independent College (CIC) Presidential Vocation and Mission Seminar since 2013 and enjoys coaching new and aspiring college presidents. Dr. Carroll is recognized nationally as an outspoken advocate for immigration reform and the rights of undocumented students. She has received numerous academic, civic, and diocesan awards for her justice-oriented leadership. In 2022, ACCU honored her with the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, CSC Award, its highest honor, for her significant services and contributions to Catholic higher education. Press Release: Downloadable PDF For more information contact: Michelle Evans (202) 457-0650, ext. 234, mevans@accunet.org The ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, founded in 1899, serves as the collective voice of U.S. Catholic higher education. Through programs and services, the Association strengthens and promotes the Catholic identity and mission of its member institutions so that all associated with Catholic higher education can contribute to the greater good of the world and the Church.
For release September 26, 2023
Washington, DC—The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) welcomes Dr. Donna M. Carroll as executive director, a newly created position with the Association, who will become the ACCU President officially in Summer 2024. The titles notwithstanding, Dr. Carroll and Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, will be sharing presidential duties this academic year, with Fr. Holtschneider reducing to half time to begin work on two scholarly projects.
Dr. Carroll was the unanimous choice of the ACCU Board of Directors and was recruited by the board for this position. She enjoys enormous respect among member presidents of the nation's Catholic colleges and universities, serving as a presidential mentor over the years and admired for her commitment and dedication to Catholic higher education.
When asked about Dr. Carroll, Fr. Holtschneider shared, “Many think highly of her 27 years of presidential leadership at Dominican University and are glad their association is led by someone who understands the challenges facing Catholic higher education in the present moment.”
Prior to joining the Association, Dr. Carroll served with distinction as president of Dominican University, IL, from 1994 to 2021. She recently completed a two-year appointment as an Interfaith America Fellow, helping navigate their higher education practice, while simultaneously serving as interim president of North Central College from 2022-2023.
“This is a challenging time for Catholic higher education. ACCU’s visibility and value to its members have increased with Fr. Holtschneider’s leadership. I look forward to building on that foundation to help ensure the Association’s continuing impact and relevance,” stated Dr. Carroll about joining ACCU.
A counselor educator by discipline, Dr. Carroll speaks and writes about leadership, vocation, and resilience. She has been a facilitator for the Council of Independent College (CIC) Presidential Vocation and Mission Seminar since 2013 and enjoys coaching new and aspiring college presidents.
Dr. Carroll is recognized nationally as an outspoken advocate for immigration reform and the rights of undocumented students. She has received numerous academic, civic, and diocesan awards for her justice-oriented leadership. In 2022, ACCU honored her with the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, CSC Award, its highest honor, for her significant services and contributions to Catholic higher education.
Press Release: Downloadable PDF
For more information contact: Michelle Evans (202) 457-0650, ext. 234, mevans@accunet.org
The ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, founded in 1899, serves as the collective voice of U.S. Catholic higher education. Through programs and services, the Association strengthens and promotes the Catholic identity and mission of its member institutions so that all associated with Catholic higher education can contribute to the greater good of the world and the Church.