Full Sail University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Full Sail University has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, information technology, and student engagement.

Dedicated to immersive media education, Full Sail University empowers students through accelerated degree programs and industry-focused training. This institution maintains a commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and professional production standards.

Leadership Roles at Full Sail University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lisa Kaviani
  • Co Chair and Chief Executive Officer - Haddock Ed
  • Chief Financial Officer - Deborah Magruder
  • Club President - Abigail Kennedy
  • Lab Specialist and Chief Marketing Officer - Nicole Arthur
  • Chief Information Officer & Education Executive & Director - Isis Jones
  • Lisa Kaviani - Chief Executive Officer

    Lisa Kaviani, the Chief Executive Officer at Full Sail University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this private, for-profit institution. Kaviani manages the alignment of academic curricula with evolving industry demands in film, video, and digital media. By overseeing the expansion of online degree offerings, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the university maintains a competitive edge in the global education market. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine long-term growth objectives and operational efficiency. Lisa Kaviani drives the implementation of innovative pedagogical models that prepare students for careers in entertainment and technology. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and academic health of the university. Kaviani fosters a culture of excellence that supports the mission of providing accelerated, hands-on learning experiences for a diverse student body across North American and international markets.

    Haddock Ed - Co Chair and Chief Executive Officer

    Haddock Ed, the Co Chair and Chief Executive Officer at Full Sail University, governs the high-level institutional policy and long-term development of the campus. Haddock Ed architects the expansion of production-based educational facilities to ensure students utilize industry-standard technology. This leadership position requires balancing the demands of for-profit educational management with the necessity of maintaining high-quality creative output. By coordinating with the board, the Co Chair and Chief Executive Officer defines the trajectory of the university within the competitive landscape of media arts education. Haddock Ed drives initiatives that integrate real-world production workflows into the classroom environment, ensuring graduates possess relevant technical skills. The Co Chair and Chief Executive Officer monitors the effectiveness of academic programs to guarantee alignment with current industry trends. Through strategic planning, Haddock Ed strengthens the reputation of the university as a premier destination for aspiring media professionals seeking accelerated career paths.

    Deborah Magruder - Chief Financial Officer

    Deborah Magruder, the Chief Financial Officer at Full Sail University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for this private, for-profit institution. Magruder oversees the budgeting process, ensuring that capital investments in production equipment and digital infrastructure support the core educational mission. The Chief Financial Officer directs financial planning and analysis to optimize operational efficiency across all departments. By monitoring revenue streams from both on-campus and online degree programs, Deborah Magruder maintains the financial stability required for sustained growth. This role involves coordinating with other executive leaders to prioritize funding for new technology and facility upgrades. Magruder ensures compliance with regulatory standards while driving cost-effective strategies that enhance the student experience. Through meticulous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the university in delivering high-quality, industry-relevant education while maintaining a strong market position within the competitive landscape of higher education.
    Deborah Magruder

    Abigail Kennedy - Club President

    Abigail Kennedy, the Club President at Full Sail University, directs student engagement initiatives and fosters a collaborative community environment. Kennedy architects programs that connect students with industry professionals and alumni, enhancing the practical networking opportunities available on campus. As the Club President, Kennedy manages the coordination of student-led projects and extracurricular activities that mirror real-world production environments. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the student body and the administration to ensure that campus life supports the university's mission of accelerated learning. Abigail Kennedy drives the development of workshops and events that provide students with additional exposure to industry tools and techniques. By cultivating a vibrant campus culture, the Club President strengthens the sense of community and professional readiness among the student population. Kennedy ensures that these extracurricular efforts align with the overall educational objectives, contributing to the holistic development of students preparing for careers in the media and entertainment industries.

    Nicole Arthur - Lab Specialist and Chief Marketing Officer

    Nicole Arthur, the Lab Specialist and Chief Marketing Officer at Full Sail University, directs the brand strategy and promotional outreach for the institution. Arthur architects campaigns that highlight the unique, production-focused nature of the university's degree programs. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Arthur manages the digital presence and recruitment messaging to attract students interested in film, media, and technology. Simultaneously, the Lab Specialist component of the role involves overseeing the maintenance and operational readiness of specialized production labs. Nicole Arthur ensures that the marketing narrative accurately reflects the hands-on, technical training provided within these facilities. By bridging the gap between technical lab capabilities and public perception, the Chief Marketing Officer drives enrollment growth. Arthur coordinates with academic departments to showcase student success stories and industry partnerships, reinforcing the university's reputation as a leader in creative education across the global market.

    Isis Jones - Chief Information Officer & Education Executive & Director

    Isis Jones, the Chief Information Officer & Education Executive & Director at Full Sail University, manages the technological infrastructure and digital learning platforms essential for the university's operations. Jones architects the systems that support both on-campus production workflows and the expansive online degree delivery model. As the Chief Information Officer, Jones ensures the security and scalability of the network, enabling seamless access to educational resources for students and faculty. The Education Executive & Director component of the role involves shaping the integration of new software and hardware into the curriculum. Isis Jones drives the adoption of emerging technologies to keep the university at the forefront of media education. By collaborating with other executives, Jones aligns IT strategy with the broader institutional goals of innovation and student success. Through this leadership, the Chief Information Officer & Education Executive & Director maintains the robust digital environment necessary for high-level creative training.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Full Sail University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Full Sail University?
    Full Sail University is led by Lisa Kaviani (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Haddock Ed (Co Chair and Chief Executive Officer) and Deborah Magruder (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Full Sail University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Full Sail University includes leaders such as Lisa Kaviani (Chief Executive Officer), Haddock Ed (Co Chair and Chief Executive Officer), Deborah Magruder (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Full Sail University have?
    Full Sail University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Full Sail University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Full Sail University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Club President, Lab Specialist and Chief Marketing Officer.