Leadership Overview
Fort Lewis College has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional advancement, financial oversight, information technology, operational management, and academic leadership.
Committed to providing accessible public liberal arts education, Fort Lewis College fosters student success through rigorous academic programs and a supportive campus environment that prepares graduates for diverse professional landscapes.
Committed to providing accessible public liberal arts education, Fort Lewis College fosters student success through rigorous academic programs and a supportive campus environment that prepares graduates for diverse professional landscapes.
Leadership Roles at Fort Lewis College
Lori Cook - Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation
Lori Cook, the Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation at Fort Lewis College, directs all philanthropic initiatives and donor relations. Managing the foundation assets, the Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation secures essential funding to support bachelor's degree programs and student scholarships. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with alumni and corporate partners to expand the financial reach of the institution. By aligning fundraising goals with the broader mission of the college, Cook ensures long-term sustainability for academic departments. Overseeing the foundation board, the Vice President of Advancement & Chief Executive Officer, FLC Foundation drives strategic growth across the North American region. Through meticulous management of endowment funds, Lori Cook strengthens the institutional capacity to provide high-quality liberal arts education. This executive function remains vital for maintaining the competitive edge of the college in the public education sector.
Samantha Gallagher - Chief Financial Officer
Samantha Gallagher, the Chief Financial Officer at Fort Lewis College, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every department maintains alignment with the core mission of providing accessible liberal arts education. This leadership role involves rigorous financial reporting and the development of long-term economic strategies to support campus infrastructure. By optimizing operational budgets, Samantha Gallagher directly impacts the ability of the college to offer diverse bachelor's degrees. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with academic leadership to prioritize investments in student success and faculty development. Through careful monitoring of revenue streams and expenditure, Gallagher secures the financial stability required for institutional growth. This executive position demands constant vigilance over fiscal policies to ensure compliance and efficiency across all administrative functions within the college.
Steven Schwartz - Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer
Steven Schwartz, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer at Fort Lewis College, manages the daily operational logistics and administrative workflows of the campus. Overseeing facilities management and auxiliary services, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical environment supports the academic mission. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to improve institutional efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By coordinating with financial teams, Steven Schwartz aligns operational expenditures with the strategic goals of the college. The Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards for campus safety and infrastructure maintenance. Through the optimization of operational systems, Schwartz supports the delivery of high-quality bachelor's degrees. This executive function remains critical for the smooth functioning of the college, ensuring that all administrative departments operate in harmony to provide a seamless experience for the entire campus community.
Teanna Banks - President
Teanna Banks, the President at Fort Lewis College, provides the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the academic and administrative leadership teams, the President ensures that the college remains dedicated to its mission of providing a robust liberal arts education. This leadership role involves representing the college to external stakeholders and governing bodies to secure the future of the institution. By fostering a culture of academic excellence, Teanna Banks drives the development of new bachelor's degree programs that meet market demands. The President collaborates with the Board of Trustees to set long-term goals for growth and student success. Through the promotion of inclusive campus values, Banks strengthens the reputation of the college within the broader education sector. This executive function requires balancing the immediate needs of the campus with the long-term aspirations of the institution, ensuring that the college continues to thrive as a public liberal arts leader.
Caleb Martin - Philosophy Club President
Caleb Martin, the Philosophy Club President at Fort Lewis College, directs student-led intellectual discourse and academic engagement within the liberal arts community. Overseeing the organization of seminars and debates, the Philosophy Club President ensures that students have a platform to explore complex ethical and existential questions. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to enrich the extracurricular experience of the student body. By facilitating collaborative discussions, Caleb Martin fosters critical thinking skills that complement the formal bachelor's degree curriculum. The Philosophy Club President manages the logistics of club events and promotes active participation among the student population. Through the cultivation of a vibrant intellectual environment, Martin contributes to the overall academic culture of the college. This executive function highlights the importance of student-led initiatives in creating a well-rounded educational experience that prepares individuals for thoughtful engagement in society.
Isabelle Shepard - President
Isabelle Shepard, the President at Fort Lewis College, leads the strategic initiatives focused on student retention and academic program expansion. Overseeing the implementation of new pedagogical frameworks, the President ensures that the college maintains its commitment to high-quality liberal arts instruction. This leadership role involves working closely with department heads to align curriculum offerings with current industry trends. By championing student-centered policies, Isabelle Shepard enhances the overall learning experience for the entire campus. The President manages the institutional response to changing educational landscapes, ensuring that the college remains competitive and relevant. Through the development of partnerships with other academic institutions, Shepard expands the reach and influence of the college. This executive function requires a deep understanding of the challenges facing public education, as the President works to secure the resources necessary for continued academic success and institutional growth.
Dene Thomas - President
Dene Thomas, the President at Fort Lewis College, directs the institutional efforts to enhance the public profile and academic standing of the college. Overseeing the development of community outreach programs, the President ensures that the institution remains a cornerstone of the regional education landscape. This leadership role involves engaging with local and state stakeholders to advocate for the importance of public liberal arts education. By fostering strong relationships with faculty and staff, Dene Thomas creates a collaborative environment that supports student achievement. The President manages the strategic planning process, ensuring that the college adapts to the evolving needs of the workforce. Through the promotion of academic rigor and student support, Thomas drives the mission of the college forward. This executive function requires a focus on long-term sustainability and the continuous improvement of the educational experience for all students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs.
Heather Shotton - President
Heather Shotton, the President at Fort Lewis College, leads the strategic initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the academic community. Overseeing the implementation of equity-focused policies, the President ensures that the college provides an accessible and supportive environment for all students. This leadership role involves working with faculty to integrate inclusive practices into the liberal arts curriculum. By championing initiatives that promote student success, Heather Shotton enhances the overall impact of the college on the regional community. The President collaborates with administrative leaders to ensure that institutional resources are distributed equitably across all departments. Through the promotion of a welcoming campus culture, Shotton strengthens the sense of belonging for the entire student body. This executive function requires a commitment to the core values of the college, as the President works to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed in their chosen bachelor's degree program.
James Bodine - IT Chief Information Officer & Director
James Bodine, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director at Fort Lewis College, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern academic delivery. Overseeing the campus network and cybersecurity protocols, the IT Chief Information Officer & Director ensures that students and faculty possess reliable access to essential learning tools. This leadership role involves managing complex data systems that support the administrative and educational functions of the college. By implementing innovative technology solutions, James Bodine enhances the overall efficiency of the institution. The IT Chief Information Officer & Director collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate digital resources into the liberal arts curriculum. Through the continuous upgrading of hardware and software, Bodine maintains a secure environment for academic research and student data. This executive function drives the technological evolution of the college, ensuring that digital capabilities remain aligned with the evolving needs of the student body.
Cheryl Heitz - Chief Financial & Operations Officer
Cheryl Heitz, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Fort Lewis College, integrates fiscal management with operational oversight to ensure institutional efficiency. Overseeing the procurement and resource distribution processes, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer ensures that all departments have the necessary tools to support the academic mission. This leadership role involves analyzing financial data to optimize operational workflows and reduce unnecessary expenditures. By aligning the budget with the strategic objectives of the college, Cheryl Heitz supports the delivery of diverse bachelor's degrees. The Chief Financial & Operations Officer collaborates with administrative staff to maintain high standards of service across the campus. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, Heitz secures the economic health of the institution. This executive function remains vital for the long-term sustainability of the college, as the Chief Financial & Operations Officer balances the need for fiscal responsibility with the requirement for operational excellence.
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