NWCCU is pleased to introduce the newest presidents leading our member institutions. These leaders bring a wealth of experience, scholarship, and dedication to student success. Read on to learn more about their backgrounds and the roles they now hold.
President, Jeffrey Alexander, Truckee Meadows Community College
Dr. Jeffrey Alexander was appointed president of Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), effective July 1, 2025.
Alexander previously served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at TMCC, where he led the college’s instructional programs, academic support services, and strategic workforce initiatives. A scholar and seasoned administrator, Alexander has held leadership positions at Pueblo Community College in Colorado and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where he also earned tenure as a faculty member.
Alexander holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of British Columbia.
President, Mark Blegen, Linfield University
Dr. Mark Blegen became president of Linfield University on July 1, 2025.
Blegen previously served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Carroll University. Prior to Carroll University, Blegen held posts at St. Catherine University in Minnesota. He served as associate dean, then dean of health sciences at the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences and chaired the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science.
Blegen holds a doctorate in exercise physiology from Kent State University, a master’s degree in exercise physiology from St. Cloud University and a B.A. in sports science with a sports medicine focus from St. Olaf College.
President, Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell, Washington State University
Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell became president of Washington State University on April 1, 2025. She is the first woman to hold the position in the university’s 135-year history.
Cantwell previously served as president of Utah State University (USU). Prior to her role at USU, Cantwell held senior leadership positions in research and innovation at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.
Cantwell holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley; an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School; and a bachelor’s degree in human behavior from the University of Chicago.
President, Mark DeMichael, Northwest Nazarene University
Dr. Mark DeMichael stepped into office as the 14th president of Northwest Nazarene University in the Summer of 2025.
Before coming to NNU, DeMichael served at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) for over 25 years, most recently as Vice President of Student Development and Athletics. Before his tenure at IWU, DeMichael spent several years as a faculty member and head baseball coach at Eastern Nazarene College, his alma mater.
DeMichael holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, an M.Ed. in physical education from Azusa Pacific University, and a B.S. in physical education from Eastern Nazarene College.
President, Christopher Gilmer, Heritage University
Dr. Christopher Gilmer officially started his role as the fourth president of Heritage University on July 1, 2025.
Gilmer has served as president of two Appalachian universities, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and West Virginia University Potomac State College. He has served as a faculty member and administrator at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities including Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he was most recently the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice. He has also served on that college’s Board of Trustees.
Gilmer has also served at a Hispanic-serving institution, Adams State University in Colorado, where he was Vice President for Academic Affairs. He is the founder of the National Institutes for Historically Underserved Students.
Gilmer holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern Mississippi, an M.A. in English from Mississippi College, and a B.S. in English from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Interim Co-President, Jennifer Glowienka, Carroll College
Dr. Jennifer Glowienka was appointed interim co-president of Carroll College for the 2025-26 academic year.
Glowienka previously served as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Carroll College since July 2021. A member of the Carroll faculty since 2003, Glowienka brings over two decades of experience in academic leadership and teaching. Her previous roles at Carroll include Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assistant Dean of Instruction, and Chair of the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences.
Glowienka holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary botany from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a B.S. in biology from Boise State University.
Interim President, Caroline Goulet, University of Providence
Dr. Caroline Goulet was appointed interim president of the University of Providence, effective July 1, 2025.
Goulet has been serving as the University of Providence’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs since July 2024. Before her tenure at the University of Providence, Dr. Goulet served as Associate Provost for the Health Professions and Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.
Goulet holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the Université de Montréal, an M.S. in applied biomedical engineering, and B.S. in physical therapy from McGill University.
President, Justin Guillory, Whatcom Community College
Dr. Justin Guillory became the fifth president of Whatcom Community College on May 1, 2025.
Guillory has over 20 years of experience in higher education, 18 of which include serving in various capacities at Northwest Indian College, including 12 years as the president. Additional experience includes serving as a graduate assistant/mentor program coordinator within the Office of Multicultural Student Services at Washington State University.
Guillory holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration, a master’s degree from Washington State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University.
Interim President, Joan Hanten, Olympic College
Joan Hanten began her tenure as interim president of Olympic College on June 16, 2025.
Hanten brings nearly two decades of leadership experience at Olympic College, having served in several key roles, including Special Projects Administrator, Office of the President; Interim Vice President, Human Resources; Vice President, College Relations; and Executive Director, Institutional Advancement and Olympic College Foundation.
Hanten holds a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law and a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Portland.
Interim President and CEO, Joshua Knotts, Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
Joshua Knotts was appointed interim president and CEO of Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, effective March 22, 2025.
Knotts, who most recently served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Experience, brings more than a decade of leadership experience at Joyce University. Since joining the institution in 2012 – then known as Ameritech College of Healthcare – he has held various roles with increasing responsibility.
Knotts holds an MBA from Liberty University and a B.S. in advertising and public relations from the University of Southern Indiana.
Chancellor, Johnny MacLean, Montana Technological University
Dr. Johnny MacLean was selected as the 13th chancellor of Montana Technological University, beginning June 1, 2025.
Previously, MacLean was Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Montana Western (UMW). Before joining UMW in 2022, MacLean served in the Office of the Provost at Southern Utah University, where he was also a tenured faculty member in geology.
MacLean holds a Ph.D. in geosciences from the University of Montana, an M.S. in earth science from Syracuse University, and a B.S. in geology from Furman University.
Interim President, Patrick McEachern, Spokane Falls Community College
Patrick McEachern began serving as interim president of Spokane Falls Community College, effective July 1.
Previously, McEachern was Vice President of Student Affairs. McEachern joined Spokane Colleges as an instructional designer in 2014 and has served in several leadership roles at the college including Associate Provost.
McEachern holds an M.Ed. in instructional design, a B.A. in secondary education, and an A.A. from Spokane Falls Community College. McEachern is a Ph.D. candidate in Oregon State University’s Adult and Higher Education program, with an emphasis in community college leadership.
President, Michael M. Munson, Salish Kootenai College
Dr. Michael M. Munson became the sixth president of Salish Kootenai College on June 23, 2025.
Munson brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, leadership, and Native-serving institutions. She most recently served as Associate Vice-Provost of Tribal Research and Graduate Education at Washington State University, Pullman.
Munson holds a B.A. in elementary education and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Montana.
President, Katia Passerini, Gonzaga University
Dr. Katia Passerini became president of Gonzaga University on July 15, 2025.
Passerini most recently served at Seton Hall University in New Jersey as provost and senior executive vice president from 2020-2025, a tenure that included a one-year stint as Seton Hall’s interim president during the 2023-24 academic year.
Passerini holds MBA and Ph.D. degrees from The George Washington University, and a Certificate in Business Project Management from New York University, and undergraduate degrees in political science (LUISS University, Italy) and economics (University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy). She was a Fulbright Student Scholar and Fulbright Administrator Scholar, as well as an Italian National Research Council Fellow.
President, Greg Pereira, Central Oregon Community College
Dr. Greg Pereira became the seventh president of Central Oregon Community College (COCC) in July 2025.
Prior to joining COCC, Pereira served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Rio Salado College, where he also served as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Academic Affairs and Community Development, Associate Dean of Instruction and Community Development, and Director of Community Partnership Programs.
Pereira holds an Ed.D. from Arizona State University, an M.A. in leadership from Azusa Pacific University, and a B.A. in communication studies.
Interim President, Joseph E. Pizzorno, Bastyr University
Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno became interim president of Bastyr University, effective July 7, 2025.
Pizzorno is the co-founder and founding president of Bastyr University. He led the effort to make Bastyr University the first accredited college of naturopathic medicine in the United States. He is an internationally recognized leader in environmental, functional, and integrative medicine.
Pizzorno holds an N.D. from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine and a B.S. from Harvey Mudd College.
Interim President, Jeremiah Shinn, Boise State University
Dr. Jeremiah Shinn became interim president of Boise State University in May 2025.
Shinn previously served as Boise State’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment management. He returned to Boise State in early 2023 after serving as Vice President for Student affairs at Louisiana State University for three and a half years. Prior to Louisiana State University, Shinn worked in various roles at Boise State starting in 2010. In addition, he has taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels throughout his academic career.
Shinn holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and administration from Eastern Michigan University, an M.A. in higher education administration from the University of Michigan, and a B.S. in natural sciences from Arkansas Tech University.
President, Shane B. Smeed, Utah Tech University
Shane B. Smeed became president of Utah Tech University on May 1, 2025.
Smeed previously served as president of Park University, where he led initiatives focused on student success, institutional excellence and workforce development.
Smeed holds an M.A. in student personnel administration from Saint Louis University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He also holds a B.A. in business operations from DeVry Institute of Technology.
Interim President, Alan L. Smith, Utah State University
Dr. Alan L. Smith was appointed interim president of Utah State University (USU), effective Spring 2025.
Smith previously served as dean of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU. Prior to joining USU, he held leadership roles at Michigan State University and Purdue University and is a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology.
Smith holds a Ph.D. in exercise and movement science from the University of Oregon, an M.S. in exercise and sport science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a B.A. in psychology from the University of Rochester.
President, Brock Tessman, Montana State University – Bozeman
Dr. Brock Tessman became the 13th president of Montana State University – Bozeman on July 1, 2025.
Previously, Tessman served as president of Northern Michigan University (NMU). Prior to his presidency at NMU, Tessman held several prominent roles within higher education, including Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs in the Montana University System and Dean of the Davidson Honors College at the University of Montana.
Tessman earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and his bachelor’s degree in international relations from Brown University.
President, Lexie Tom, Northwest Indian College
Lexie Tom was appointed president of Northwest Indian College (NWIC), effective May 2025.
Tom previously served as interim president of NWIC. Prior to this appointment, Tom served as Acting Director of the Lummi Nation Educational System, which includes Lummi Nation K-12 School, the Early Learning Programs, Head Start program, Johnson O’Malley education program, and partnerships with all public schools that enroll Lummi children.
Tom holds a doctoral degree in indigenous studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, an M.A. in public administration from Evergreen State College, a B.A. in anthropology from Western Washington University, and is a proud graduate of Northwest Indian College.
Interim Co-President, Austin Vetter, Carroll College
Bishop Austin Vetter was appointed interim co-president of Carroll College for the 2025-26 academic year.
Ordained a priest in 1993, Vetter has served in numerous leadership roles, including Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck and Director of Spiritual Formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. As Bishop of Helena, he has played a key role in stewarding the Diocese’s mission, overseeing strategic planning, parish development, and clergy support, while advancing initiatives that align with the Church’s long-term goals.
Vetter earned a B.A. in philosophy from Cardinal Muench Seminary and continued his theological studies at the Pontifical North American College and the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Interim President, Douglas S. Wade, Warner Pacific University
Douglas S. Wade was appointed interim president of Warner Pacific University on June 27, 2025.
Wade previously served as acting president of WPU, beginning April 2025. He is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, a role he will continue to hold in his interim presidency. He brings over two decades of higher education leadership experience to this expanded responsibility.
Wade holds an M.A. in finance from the Wharton School and a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago.
President, Suzanne Walsh, City University of Seattle
Suzanne Walsh was appointed president of City University of Seattle, effective July 1, 2025.
Walsh previously served as President of Bennett College, a historically Black liberal arts college for women. Prior, she served as the Deputy Director of Postsecondary Success at the Gates Foundation and held key positions at the Lumina Foundation and The Heinz Endowments. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives to improve educational outcomes for underserved and non-traditional learners, focusing on student success and socioeconomic mobility.
Walsh holds a juris doctorate and master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and an associate degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College.
