Elmhurst University Executive and Leadership Team

Kurt Ashley, the Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Elmhurst University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing budgetary allocations and investment strategies, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the expansion of graduate and undergraduate programs. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to maintain the university competitive position within the higher education sector. By implementing robust financial controls, Ashley secures the capital necessary for new partnerships and academic infrastructure. The Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to align fiscal policies with the overarching mission of student success. Kurt Ashley drives financial stability through disciplined oversight, ensuring that the university remains a sustainable and thriving environment for scholars and practitioners from across the nation and around the world.

Sabrina Ruff, the President at Elmhurst University, directs the overarching vision and strategic growth of the institution. Focusing on the expansion of applied sciences and liberal arts programs, the President cultivates partnerships that enhance the educational experience for a diverse student body. This leadership role involves engaging with faculty scholars and practitioners to maintain high standards of teaching and research. By championing the university mission, Ruff drives initiatives that prepare students for enduring success in their careers. The President oversees the implementation of long-term goals, ensuring that the institution adapts to the evolving needs of the global higher education landscape. Sabrina Ruff maintains a commitment to an inclusive community where collaboration thrives. Through proactive leadership, the President secures the resources and reputation necessary to sustain the university status as a comprehensive institution dedicated to academic excellence and student development.

Timotheus Lehmann, the President at Elmhurst University, architects the institutional framework that supports academic innovation and student achievement. Leading the development of new graduate programs, the President ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to the demands of the modern workforce. This role involves fostering a culture of inquiry where faculty members and students collaborate on meaningful research. By overseeing the strategic direction of the university, Lehmann drives the transition toward a comprehensive higher education model that serves both local and international students. The President manages relationships with external stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of the institution. Timotheus Lehmann prioritizes the creation of a versatile skillset for every student, ensuring that the university mission remains central to all operational decisions. Through dedicated leadership, the President sustains the vibrant, inclusive community that defines the current educational profile of the university.

Troy VanAken, the President & Mathematics Professor at Elmhurst University, balances executive leadership with a commitment to academic instruction in the field of mathematics. Directing the strategic vision of the university, the President & Mathematics Professor ensures that the institution maintains its focus on rigorous scholarship and applied learning. This role involves integrating data-driven decision-making into the administrative process to improve student outcomes across all departments. By teaching mathematics, VanAken remains connected to the classroom experience, providing unique insights into the needs of students and faculty. The President & Mathematics Professor oversees the expansion of academic programs, ensuring that the university continues to offer high-quality education in the liberal arts. Troy VanAken drives the institutional mission by fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity and practical application intersect. Through this dual focus, the President & Mathematics Professor strengthens the academic foundation and long-term success of the entire university community.

Britney Heard, the Chief of Staff at Elmhurst University, coordinates high-level administrative operations to ensure institutional alignment with academic goals. Managing cross-departmental workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the executive office and faculty leadership. This role involves streamlining internal processes to support the university mission of providing a versatile skillset to students. By optimizing resource allocation and project timelines, Heard directly impacts the efficiency of campus-wide initiatives. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on strategic objectives, ensuring that all administrative functions support the broader educational profile of the institution. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational integrity required for a comprehensive higher education environment. Britney Heard remains focused on enhancing organizational performance to sustain long-term growth and academic excellence across the entire university community.

Patricia Ferraro, the Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Elmhurst University, manages the administrative infrastructure supporting the digital and technological advancement of the campus. Coordinating complex schedules and communication channels, the Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that the information technology department remains aligned with academic priorities. This role involves facilitating interactions between technical teams and university leadership to support the integration of modern tools into the liberal arts curriculum. By maintaining organized documentation and project tracking, Ferraro enables the Chief Information Officer to focus on scaling digital resources for students and faculty. The Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer provides the essential support structure for technological initiatives that define the modern educational profile of the institution. Patricia Ferraro ensures that administrative efficiency remains a cornerstone of the university digital strategy.