Grinnell College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Grinnell College has 8 executives leading key functions including information technology, administration, strategy, and student organizations.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Grinnell College fosters an environment of free inquiry and open exchange of ideas, preparing students to navigate global complexities and contribute to the common good through rigorous programs and a diverse community.

Leadership Roles at Grinnell College

  • President - Davis Provost
  • President - Julian Kim
  • Founder and President of Russian-Speaking Society - Ibrahim Topchubashov
  • President, Japanese Culture Association (Jca) - Meilin Hoshino
  • Group of Performance Dance Dancexchannge Co-Founder & President - Kaho Kuroda
  • Chief Information Officer - Jonathan Colby
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, Administration - Myrna Hernandez
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Kait Wilcox
  • Davis Provost - President

    Davis Provost, the President at Grinnell College, directs the overall strategic vision and leadership of the institution. Provost is responsible for guiding Grinnell's academic and financial health, fostering its mission of intellectual engagement and social responsibility. This role involves setting institutional priorities, overseeing all college operations, and representing Grinnell to external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and the broader academic community. Davis Provost's leadership ensures that the college upholds its commitment to providing an individually advised learning experience for its students. The President works closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to advance the college's goals, promote excellence in education, and ensure Grinnell's continued impact in preparing graduates to navigate complex global challenges. Provost champions the college's values of free inquiry and the open exchange of ideas.

    Julian Kim - President

    Julian Kim, the President at Grinnell College, spearheads the institution's strategic direction and operational oversight. Kim is accountable for advancing Grinnell's core mission, which emphasizes rigorous academic inquiry and responsible contribution to society. This executive position involves leading the college's faculty and staff, ensuring the quality of academic programs, and managing the college's financial sustainability. Julian Kim's focus is on cultivating an environment that supports intellectual curiosity and the free exchange of ideas, preparing students for a complex world. The President collaborates with the Board of Trustees to shape institutional policy and long-term planning, driving Grinnell's commitment to excellence in liberal arts education. Kim's leadership ensures the college remains a vibrant center for learning and personal growth.

    Ibrahim Topchubashov - Founder and President of Russian-Speaking Society

    Ibrahim Topchubashov, the Founder and President of Russian-Speaking Society at Grinnell College, establishes and leads the organization dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and engagement. Topchubashov directs the society's activities, including organizing events, promoting Russian language and culture, and creating a supportive community for students interested in this area. This leadership role involves strategic planning for the society's initiatives, managing member engagement, and ensuring the organization effectively contributes to the diverse campus environment. Ibrahim Topchubashov's vision guides the society in promoting cross-cultural dialogue and enriching the student experience at Grinnell. The Founder and President of Russian-Speaking Society works to build connections and provide opportunities for cultural exchange, aligning with Grinnell's broader commitment to a diverse community and social responsibility.

    Meilin Hoshino - President, Japanese Culture Association (Jca)

    Meilin Hoshino, the President, Japanese Culture Association (Jca) at Grinnell College, leads initiatives focused on promoting Japanese culture and fostering community engagement. Hoshino directs the association's programming, which includes cultural events, educational activities, and opportunities for students to explore Japanese arts and traditions. This role involves strategic planning for the JCA's outreach efforts, managing organizational resources, and enhancing the student experience through cultural immersion. Meilin Hoshino's leadership ensures the association actively contributes to Grinnell's diverse campus life and supports the free exchange of ideas. The President, Japanese Culture Association (Jca) works to build connections among students interested in Japanese culture and facilitates cross-cultural understanding, reinforcing Grinnell's commitment to a global perspective and social action.

    Kaho Kuroda - Group of Performance Dance Dancexchannge Co-Founder & President

    Kaho Kuroda, the Group of Performance Dance Dancexchannge Co-Founder & President at Grinnell College, initiates and leads the performance dance group's activities. Kuroda directs the ensemble's creative direction, choreographic development, and performance scheduling, fostering artistic expression and collaboration among student dancers. This leadership position involves managing group operations, coordinating rehearsals, and organizing public performances that showcase the students' talents and dedication. Kaho Kuroda's vision guides the group in exploring diverse dance forms and contributing to the vibrant arts scene at Grinnell. The Group of Performance Dance Dancexchannge Co-Founder & President works to build a strong artistic community and provide students with valuable performance experience, aligning with the college's emphasis on excellence in the arts and personal development.

    Jonathan Colby - Chief Information Officer

    Jonathan Colby, the Chief Information Officer at Grinnell College, directs all information technology operations. Colby oversees the strategic implementation and maintenance of the college's digital infrastructure, ensuring robust and secure systems that support academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing technology resources, driving innovation in IT services, and aligning technological advancements with Grinnell's educational mission. Colby's focus remains on enhancing the student and faculty experience through reliable and cutting-edge technology solutions. The Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration of new technologies and manages the IT department's budget and personnel, contributing directly to the college's operational efficiency and academic competitiveness. Colby's oversight extends to cybersecurity protocols and data management, safeguarding institutional information.

    Myrna Hernandez - Chief of Staff & Vice President, Administration

    Myrna Hernandez, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Administration at Grinnell College, manages critical administrative functions and provides strategic support to the President. Hernandez oversees key operational areas, ensuring efficient resource allocation and policy implementation across the college. This role involves coordinating interdepartmental initiatives, facilitating communication between leadership and various college divisions, and driving administrative excellence. Myrna Hernandez's responsibilities include enhancing organizational effectiveness and supporting the college's strategic objectives through streamlined processes. The Chief of Staff & Vice President, Administration plays a pivotal part in institutional planning and execution, ensuring that administrative operations align with Grinnell's mission of academic rigor and social responsibility. Hernandez's leadership ensures smooth day-to-day operations and supports long-term institutional development.

    Kait Wilcox - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Kait Wilcox, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Grinnell College, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing the institution's technology landscape. Wilcox focuses on the operational execution of IT strategies, overseeing the deployment and support of critical systems that underpin Grinnell's academic and administrative activities. This position involves managing IT projects, ensuring system reliability, and enhancing user support services for students, faculty, and staff. Kait Wilcox's efforts are directed towards optimizing the college's technological resources and driving efficiency within the IT department. The Deputy Chief Information Officer collaborates closely with the CIO to implement new technologies and maintain robust cybersecurity measures, directly contributing to the college's operational integrity and academic mission. Wilcox ensures that technology infrastructure effectively supports Grinnell's commitment to free inquiry and the exchange of ideas.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Grinnell College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Grinnell College?
    Grinnell College is led by Davis Provost (President), along with executives such as Julian Kim (President) and Ibrahim Topchubashov (Founder and President of Russian-Speaking Society).
    Who is part of Grinnell College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Grinnell College includes leaders such as Davis Provost (President), Julian Kim (President), Ibrahim Topchubashov (Founder and President of Russian-Speaking Society) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Grinnell College have?
    Grinnell College has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Grinnell College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Grinnell College includes roles such as President, President, Founder and President of Russian-Speaking Society, President, Japanese Culture Association (Jca), Group of Performance Dance Dancexchannge Co-Founder & President.