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 budgetary planning for the entire institution. Overseeing financial reporting and resource allocation, the Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments support the expansion of graduate and undergraduate programs. This leadership role involves balancing operational costs with the need for continuous innovation in the liberal arts. By implementing robust financial controls, Kurt Ashley protects the long-term economic viability of the university. The Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to align fiscal strategies with the broader educational mission. Through careful analysis of market trends and institutional needs, the Interim Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer optimizes funding for faculty research and student services. This financial oversight remains critical for maintaining the high standards of education expected at the university.

Troy VanAken, the President & Mathematics Professor at Elmhurst University, directs the academic vision and institutional growth of the university. Balancing administrative leadership with scholarly contributions in mathematics, the President & Mathematics Professor fosters a culture of rigorous inquiry and applied learning. This role involves engaging with global partners to expand the reach of the university and enhance the reputation of its liberal arts programs. By championing faculty-led research, Troy VanAken ensures that students receive instruction from active scholars. The President & Mathematics Professor oversees the strategic transition of the institution, guiding the development of new graduate programs that meet modern workforce demands. Through consistent advocacy for academic excellence, the President & Mathematics Professor maintains the university status as a comprehensive higher education institution. This dual focus on leadership and teaching allows the President & Mathematics Professor to remain deeply connected to the student experience while driving the long-term success of the entire campus community.

Timotheus Lehmann, the President at Elmhurst University, architects the overarching strategic direction and institutional policy for the university. Leading the executive team, the President drives initiatives that strengthen the university position within the competitive landscape of higher education. This role involves cultivating relationships with donors, alumni, and community leaders to secure resources for campus development. By prioritizing the expansion of applied sciences, Timotheus Lehmann ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry needs. The President oversees the implementation of long-term goals, ensuring that every department contributes to the mission of student success. Through active engagement with the board, the President aligns institutional priorities with the evolving educational profile of the university. This leadership role requires a focus on sustainable growth and the promotion of an inclusive environment. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the institution by fostering innovation and maintaining high standards of academic integrity across all undergraduate and graduate programs.

Sabrina Ruff, the President at Elmhurst University, manages the operational execution of the university mission and oversees the daily administration of campus affairs. Focusing on student engagement and community outreach, the President develops programs that enhance the inclusive nature of the university. This role involves coordinating with faculty members to ensure that the liberal arts curriculum provides a versatile skillset for all students. By analyzing institutional performance metrics, Sabrina Ruff identifies opportunities for process improvement and service expansion. The President leads efforts to integrate new partnerships that benefit the student body and broaden the university impact. Through consistent communication with the campus community, the President maintains a focus on the core values of the institution. This leadership role involves navigating the complexities of higher education to ensure that the university remains a destination for scholars from around the world. Ultimately, the President drives the operational success necessary to support the academic and professional growth of every student.

Britney Heard, the Chief of Staff at Elmhurst University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives to ensure alignment with institutional goals. Managing cross-departmental workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the executive office and various academic divisions. This role involves streamlining operational processes to support the university mission of providing a versatile skillset to students. By optimizing internal resources, Britney Heard directly impacts the efficiency of campus-wide projects. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on strategic objectives, ensuring that all departments maintain focus on long-term growth. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief of Staff secures the operational stability necessary for academic excellence. This position requires constant collaboration with faculty and staff to maintain the inclusive community standards defined by the university. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the execution of institutional priorities, fostering an environment where students and faculty thrive within the liberal arts and applied sciences framework.

Patricia Ferraro, the Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Elmhurst University, manages the complex scheduling and communication requirements for the information technology division. Coordinating technical project timelines, the Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that digital infrastructure supports the evolving needs of students and faculty. This role involves facilitating meetings between IT leadership and academic departments to integrate new technologies into the curriculum. By maintaining organized documentation and project logs, Patricia Ferraro enables the Chief Information Officer to focus on strategic digital transformation. The Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer handles sensitive data and administrative tasks that underpin the university technological framework. Through efficient management of office operations, the Executive Secretary To the Vice President and Chief Information Officer supports the seamless delivery of digital services across the campus, ensuring that all technological resources align with the university commitment to academic success.