Mary Jensen Named Chief Operating Officer at Hamline University

Mary Jensen, formerly vice president for enrollment management at Hamline University, has been promoted to chief operating officer. In her new role, Jensen serves as President Mayme Hostetter’s primary operational partner and oversees undergraduate admission, graduate admission and advising, financial aid, marketing and communications, human resources and information technology services.

Chatham University Names Michael E. Braxton Vice President of Advancement

Chatham University has named Michael E. Braxton vice president of advancement following a national search. Braxton will lead the university’s advancement and alumni engagement efforts.

Wagner College Names Permanent Dean for Nicolais School of Business

Wagner College’s Nicolais School of Business is starting the academic year with both permanent leadership and a new home. Michael Driscoll, who served as interim dean for the past year, has been appointed dean. The school and its faculty are also moving to the DaSilva Academic Center on Wagner’s new extended campus. The new academic spaces include an updated markets lab, electronic stock tickers and technology-forward classrooms.

Hood College Appoints Shannon Kundey Interim Dean

Hood College has appointed Shannon Kundey, Ph.D., interim dean of the Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral and Health Sciences.

Eric Klein Brings Student-Centered Approach to Linfield Admission

Linfield University has named Eric Klein director of admission. In the role, Klein will oversee recruitment, enrollment strategy and student outreach. Throughout his career, Klein has helped prospective students navigate the college admission process with an emphasis on conversation and individual guidance. He brings that student-centered approach to his new role at Linfield.

York College Expands Accelerated Law Pathways

York College of Pennsylvania and Widener University Commonwealth Law School have established a new accelerated 3+3 Juris Doctor pathway. The program allows high-achieving students to complete both a bachelor’s degree from York College and a law degree from Widener Law Commonwealth in six years, saving a full year of time and tuition. The partnership expands York’s accelerated options for students interested in pursuing legal careers.

Florida Southern Expands Honors Program Into Honors College

Florida Southern College has transformed its longstanding Honors Program into a full Honors College, creating a more comprehensive four-year experience focused on academic excellence. Silviana Falcon, Ph.D., has assumed the role of associate provost for the Honors College while continuing to serve as associate provost of strategic business partnerships within the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise. Across both roles, Falcon will focus on developing relationships and opportunities that support students’ academic and professional futures.

Saint Xavier Launches Campus-Wide AI Platform

Saint Xavier University is providing campus-wide access to BoodleBox, a collaborative artificial intelligence platform designed for learning and education. Saint Xavier is the first institution in Chicago to implement BoodleBox campus-wide, giving students and faculty access to multiple AI systems and tools in a shared environment. The initiative is part of the university’s efforts to advance responsible engagement with AI and prepare students for lifelong learning in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Merrimack Expands Student Research Opportunities

Merrimack College is expanding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to develop research skills through its Summer Research Institute. Approximately 12 faculty members worked alongside students on research projects over the summer. The projects span a range of disciplines while giving students opportunities to strengthen research skills and gain experience working closely with faculty scholars.

St. Mary’s Law Expands Hands-On Legal Experience

Students at St. Mary’s University School of Law are gaining hands-on professional experience while providing legal assistance to community members through six clinics in the Center for Legal and Social Justice. The recently added Microenterprise and Community Development Clinic joins clinics focused on consumer protection, criminal justice, family law, immigration and human rights, and real estate. Through the clinics, law students apply their classroom learning while providing legal services and information to individuals who otherwise might not be able to afford representation.

Chatham Grants Support Civic Engagement and Purpose-Driven Learning

Two new grants will help Chatham University more deeply incorporate civic engagement and purpose-driven living into its curriculum and campus life. A Project Pericles Catalyst Grant will support development of a Civic Engagement Pedagogy Fellows Program designed to make civic engagement a more intentional and consistent part of the student experience through curriculum, faculty development and academic decision-making. A professional development award from the Council of Independent Colleges’ Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education will support broader campus conversations about cultivating purpose-driven lives in keeping with Chatham’s mission and values.

Hamline University has also received a professional development award from the Council of Independent Colleges’ Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education. The award will support faculty and staff efforts to integrate vocational reflection and career competencies into the curriculum, helping students consider how their values and interests connect with potential career pathways.