Chapman University Executive and Leadership Team

Karen Young, the Chief Executive Officer at Chapman University, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term institutional growth. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with evolving market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in the higher education sector. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving initiatives that enhance the reputation of the institution across North American academic circles. By prioritizing financial sustainability and operational excellence, Karen Young directly impacts the ability of the university to provide high-quality learning experiences. Young coordinates with the Board to implement policies that support faculty research and student development. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the institution by fostering a culture of innovation and academic rigor that defines the core mission of the university.

Harold Hewitt, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Chapman University, manages the daily business operations and physical assets of the institution. Overseeing the financial health and facility management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the university maintains a sustainable and safe environment for all campus activities. This leadership role involves coordinating administrative functions to support the broader mission of academic excellence. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining operational processes, Harold Hewitt directly impacts the fiscal stability of the university. Hewitt works with other executive leaders to implement long-term growth strategies that enhance the campus infrastructure and support services. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer provides the essential operational foundation required for the university to deliver high-quality education and research programs.

Lana Rayan, the President, International Law Society at Chapman University, directs the expansion of global legal discourse and student engagement within the legal studies department. Overseeing the organization of international conferences and networking events, the President, International Law Society ensures that students connect with global legal experts and practitioners. This leadership role involves promoting cross-cultural understanding and legal research initiatives that enhance the international profile of the university. By driving participation in global moot court competitions and academic forums, Lana Rayan directly impacts the professional development of students pursuing careers in international law. Rayan collaborates with faculty to provide resources that support advanced legal scholarship and global networking. Ultimately, the President, International Law Society strengthens the reputation of the university as a hub for international legal education and scholarly collaboration.

Phillip Lyle, the Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Chapman University, manages the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the entire campus community. Overseeing the integration of advanced data systems, the Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures secure and efficient access to information for students, faculty, and administrative staff. This leadership role involves modernizing network capabilities to support remote learning and research initiatives across the regional footprint. By optimizing cybersecurity protocols and digital resource allocation, Phillip Lyle directly impacts the operational efficiency of the university. Lyle collaborates with academic departments to implement software solutions that enhance classroom engagement and administrative productivity. Ultimately, the Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer maintains the technological backbone necessary for the university to thrive in a digital-first educational landscape.

Daniel Leonard, the Chief Technology Officer & Associate Dean at Chapman University, architects the intersection of academic curriculum and emerging technological tools. Overseeing the development of specialized labs and digital learning environments, the Chief Technology Officer & Associate Dean ensures that students gain practical experience with industry-standard software and hardware. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between technical innovation and pedagogical requirements to improve student outcomes. By driving the adoption of new educational technologies, Daniel Leonard directly impacts the quality of instruction and research output. Leonard works closely with faculty to integrate technical proficiency into the core curriculum, ensuring graduates remain competitive in the modern workforce. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer & Associate Dean strengthens the academic standing of the university by fostering a culture of continuous technical advancement and scholarly excellence.

Amy Rogan-Mehta, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff at Chapman University, coordinates executive communications and manages the strategic priorities of the leadership team. Overseeing the flow of information between the office of the president and various university departments, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals remain aligned with the core mission. This leadership role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and managing complex projects that span multiple administrative divisions. By driving organizational efficiency and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, Amy Rogan-Mehta directly impacts the effectiveness of the university leadership. Rogan-Mehta serves as a primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring consistent messaging and operational focus. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff maintains the organizational cohesion necessary for the university to achieve its long-term strategic objectives.

James Brownlow, the Life Member at Chapman University, provides long-term governance oversight and historical continuity for the institution. Overseeing the preservation of university values and traditions, the Life Member ensures that current strategic initiatives remain consistent with the foundational mission established in 1861. This leadership role involves advising the board on matters of institutional legacy and community relations. By contributing deep institutional knowledge to current discussions, James Brownlow directly impacts the stability and long-term vision of the university. Brownlow participates in key governance committees to support the ongoing development of academic programs and campus growth. Ultimately, the Life Member serves as a vital link between the history of the university and the future aspirations of the institution, ensuring that the core identity remains intact while the university evolves to meet modern educational challenges.