DePauw University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

DePauw University has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, administrative operations, communications strategy, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and a rich liberal arts tradition, DePauw University fosters intellectual growth and community engagement through a rigorous curriculum and a vibrant, inclusive campus environment.

Leadership Roles at DePauw University

  • President - Binh Pham
  • President & Athletic Advisory Committee Student - Hunt Heldebrand
  • Co President - Caroline Condra
  • President, Formula Sae Business - Kenzo Palhares
  • President - Carl Singer
  • President - Lori White
  • Chief Information Officer - Caroline Smith
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Samantha Sarich
  • Vice President, Communications Strategy & Chief of Staff - Sarah Steinkamp
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Samantha Nance
  • Binh Pham - President

    Binh Pham, the President at DePauw University, provides the primary strategic direction for the liberal arts college and the School of Music. Pham oversees the long-term financial health and academic reputation of the institution. By directing the efforts of the senior leadership team, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on the core mission of providing a high-quality education. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees to secure the future of the university. Binh Pham drives the development of partnerships that enhance the national standing of the institution. Through the promotion of academic rigor and community values, the President shapes the culture of the campus. Pham manages the overall institutional strategy, balancing the needs of students, faculty, and alumni. By fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, the President ensures that the university continues to thrive as a premier destination for liberal arts education in the United States.

    Hunt Heldebrand - President & Athletic Advisory Committee Student

    Hunt Heldebrand, the President & Athletic Advisory Committee Student at DePauw University, represents the student body within the athletic governance structure. Heldebrand manages the communication between student-athletes and the administration to ensure that athletic programs align with the academic standards of the university. By overseeing the feedback loop for the North Coast Athletic Conference initiatives, the President & Athletic Advisory Committee Student supports the development of a balanced student experience. This leadership role involves advocating for the needs of athletes while maintaining the integrity of the liberal arts mission. Hunt Heldebrand drives the implementation of policies that promote student well-being and competitive excellence. Through the coordination of advisory meetings, the President & Athletic Advisory Committee Student ensures that athletic operations remain transparent and inclusive. Heldebrand facilitates the integration of sports into the broader campus life, ensuring that the athletic department contributes positively to the overall reputation of the institution.

    Caroline Condra - Co President

    Caroline Condra, the Co President at DePauw University, shares the responsibility for guiding the institutional vision and managing the administrative operations of the college. Condra focuses on the development of student-led initiatives and the enhancement of campus life. By overseeing the coordination of student organizations, the Co President ensures that the university environment remains vibrant and engaging. This leadership role involves working closely with other executive leaders to align student activities with the broader academic goals of the institution. Caroline Condra drives the implementation of programs that foster community and leadership development among the student body. Through the management of collaborative projects, the Co President strengthens the connection between the administration and the students. Condra provides essential oversight for the execution of campus-wide events that celebrate the liberal arts tradition. By prioritizing student engagement, the Co President contributes to the overall success and retention of the university community.

    Kenzo Palhares - President, Formula Sae Business

    Kenzo Palhares, the President, Formula Sae Business at DePauw University, directs the operational and financial aspects of the university's engineering-focused student organization. Palhares manages the budget, sponsorship acquisition, and project timelines for the team. By overseeing the business strategy, the President, Formula Sae Business ensures that the team has the necessary resources to compete at a national level. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to maintain compliance with university regulations. Kenzo Palhares drives the development of professional skills among team members, preparing them for careers in the automotive and engineering industries. Through the management of external partnerships, the President, Formula Sae Business enhances the visibility of the university's technical programs. Palhares facilitates the integration of practical business experience with the liberal arts curriculum. By fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork, the President, Formula Sae Business supports the growth of the university's reputation in competitive engineering fields.

    Carl Singer - President

    Carl Singer, the President at DePauw University, leads the institutional efforts to expand the reach and impact of the liberal arts curriculum. Singer manages the strategic planning process, ensuring that the university remains competitive in the national education market. By overseeing the allocation of resources, the President supports the growth of academic departments and the School of Music. This leadership role involves representing the university to external stakeholders and donors to secure the financial future of the institution. Carl Singer drives the development of initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion across the campus. Through the management of faculty relations, the President ensures that the academic mission remains the top priority. Singer facilitates the implementation of long-term goals that align with the Methodist heritage of the university. By fostering a culture of excellence, the President ensures that the institution continues to provide a transformative educational experience for all students.

    Lori White - President

    Lori White, the President at DePauw University, directs the overall administrative and academic strategy for the institution. White manages the executive team to ensure that the university meets its goals for student enrollment and academic achievement. By overseeing the implementation of the strategic plan, the President ensures that the liberal arts college remains a leader in higher education. This leadership role involves engaging with the local community in Greencastle and the broader national network of liberal arts institutions. Lori White drives the development of programs that enhance the student experience and prepare graduates for professional success. Through the management of institutional policy, the President maintains the integrity and reputation of the university. White facilitates the collaboration between the administration and the faculty to support innovative research and teaching. By prioritizing the long-term sustainability of the institution, the President ensures that the university continues to fulfill its mission of academic excellence.

    Caroline Smith - Chief Information Officer

    Caroline Smith, the Chief Information Officer at DePauw University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the liberal arts mission. Smith manages the integration of advanced academic software and secure network systems across the Greencastle campus. By overseeing the modernization of data management, the Chief Information Officer ensures faculty and students access reliable resources for research and instruction. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to align technology investments with long-term institutional goals. Caroline Smith drives the implementation of cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive university information. Through the optimization of digital platforms, the Chief Information Officer enhances the overall educational experience. Smith maintains a focus on scalable solutions that support the evolving needs of a national liberal arts college. By prioritizing innovation in campus connectivity, the Chief Information Officer strengthens the technological foundation necessary for academic success and administrative efficiency.

    Samantha Sarich - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Samantha Sarich, the Deputy Chief of Staff at DePauw University, manages internal administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental projects. Sarich facilitates communication between the executive office and various campus stakeholders to ensure operational alignment with the university mission. By overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the daily functions of the leadership team. This role involves managing complex scheduling and logistical planning for institutional events. Samantha Sarich drives the development of internal policies that improve organizational efficiency across the liberal arts college. Through the careful monitoring of administrative processes, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains high standards of institutional governance. Sarich provides critical support for the implementation of long-term goals, ensuring that departmental activities remain consistent with the broader vision of the university. By streamlining communication channels, the Deputy Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on core academic and community objectives.

    Sarah Steinkamp - Vice President, Communications Strategy & Chief of Staff

    Sarah Steinkamp, the Vice President, Communications Strategy & Chief of Staff at DePauw University, architects the institutional messaging and public relations framework. Steinkamp manages the dissemination of information to external audiences, including prospective students and alumni, to enhance the national reputation of the liberal arts college. By overseeing the alignment of communication efforts with the strategic vision, the Vice President, Communications Strategy & Chief of Staff ensures consistent branding across all platforms. This leadership role involves collaborating with the President to manage high-level institutional projects and administrative priorities. Sarah Steinkamp drives the development of comprehensive outreach campaigns that highlight the unique value of the School of Music and the broader academic programs. Through the integration of digital and traditional media, the Vice President, Communications Strategy & Chief of Staff expands the reach of the university. Steinkamp secures the integrity of the institutional narrative while supporting the operational needs of the executive office.

    Samantha Nance - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Samantha Nance, the Deputy Chief of Staff at DePauw University, focuses on the optimization of institutional resources and the management of special projects. Nance coordinates the efforts of administrative teams to ensure the successful delivery of university-wide initiatives. By overseeing the implementation of operational improvements, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the effective functioning of the executive office. This role involves analyzing institutional data to inform decision-making processes and improve service delivery across the campus. Samantha Nance drives the coordination of interdepartmental activities, ensuring that all units contribute to the overarching goals of the liberal arts college. Through the management of complex administrative tasks, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the stability of daily operations. Nance facilitates the flow of information between the leadership team and the broader university community. By fostering collaboration, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that institutional resources are utilized to support academic excellence and student success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DePauw University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DePauw University?
    DePauw University is led by Binh Pham (President), along with executives such as Hunt Heldebrand (President & Athletic Advisory Committee Student) and Caroline Condra (Co President).
    Who is part of DePauw University’s executive team?
    The executive team of DePauw University includes leaders such as Binh Pham (President), Hunt Heldebrand (President & Athletic Advisory Committee Student), Caroline Condra (Co President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DePauw University have?
    DePauw University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DePauw University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DePauw University includes roles such as President, President & Athletic Advisory Committee Student, Co President, President, Formula Sae Business, President.