Hollins University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hollins University has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, operational management, and institutional leadership.

Dedicated to fostering academic excellence and personal growth, Hollins University empowers students through a holistic liberal arts curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse professional landscapes and lifelong success.

Leadership Roles at Hollins University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Charles Crist
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Kerry Edmonds
  • House President - Molly Ward
  • Chief Information Officer - Bradley Oechslin
  • Charles Crist - Chief Financial Officer

    Charles Crist, the Chief Financial Officer at Hollins University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Overseeing the university budget, the Chief Financial Officer directs resource allocation to support academic programs and campus infrastructure. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance and ensuring compliance with federal financial regulations. By optimizing operational expenditures, Charles Crist directly impacts the ability of the university to provide high-quality liberal arts education. Crist maintains rigorous oversight of financial reporting, providing the Board with transparent data to guide strategic planning. Through careful management of institutional assets, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain the mission of the university. Crist coordinates with department heads to align spending with institutional priorities, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes to student success and the overall growth of the campus community.

    Kerry Edmonds - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Kerry Edmonds, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Hollins University, directs the daily administrative operations and strategic execution of the institution. Overseeing campus facilities and auxiliary services, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical environment supports the holistic mission of the university. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental initiatives to improve operational efficiency and student satisfaction. By streamlining administrative processes, Kerry Edmonds directly impacts the overall effectiveness of the university in delivering a high-quality liberal arts experience. Edmonds works closely with the President to implement long-term institutional goals and manage organizational change. Through the management of campus resources, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer maintains a vibrant community atmosphere. Edmonds ensures that all operational activities align with the commitment of the university to inclusivity, fostering a supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff.

    Molly Ward - House President

    Molly Ward, the House President at Hollins University, leads the residential life experience and fosters a cohesive community among the student body. Overseeing student engagement initiatives, the House President ensures that the living environment promotes personal growth and academic success. This leadership role involves facilitating mentorship programs and organizing events that encourage experiential learning outside the classroom. By cultivating a supportive residential culture, Molly Ward directly impacts the sense of belonging for students at the university. Ward collaborates with student affairs to address the needs of the diverse student population, ensuring that campus life remains inclusive and vibrant. Through the promotion of leadership development, the House President empowers students to explore their potential and pursue their ambitions. Ward maintains a focus on student well-being, creating a safe and enriching atmosphere that complements the rigorous academic programs offered by the institution.

    Bradley Oechslin - Chief Information Officer

    Bradley Oechslin, the Chief Information Officer at Hollins University, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern academic research and administrative efficiency. Overseeing campus-wide network security, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess reliable access to essential learning technologies. This leadership role involves implementing advanced data management systems that protect institutional information while facilitating seamless communication across the university. By modernizing classroom technology, Bradley Oechslin directly impacts the quality of the experiential learning environment. Oechslin collaborates with academic leadership to integrate digital tools into the curriculum, fostering innovation in teaching methods. Through the deployment of scalable software solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives the technological evolution of the campus. Oechslin maintains a focus on cybersecurity, safeguarding the digital assets of the university against emerging threats while supporting the diverse needs of the student body.
    Bradley Oechslin

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hollins University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hollins University?
    Hollins University is led by Charles Crist (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kerry Edmonds (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Molly Ward (House President).
    Who is part of Hollins University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hollins University includes leaders such as Charles Crist (Chief Financial Officer), Kerry Edmonds (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Molly Ward (House President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hollins University have?
    Hollins University has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hollins University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hollins University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, House President, Chief Information Officer.