Lindenwood University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lindenwood University has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, fiscal strategy, financial management, student leadership, and institutional representation.

Committed to academic excellence and community engagement, Lindenwood University empowers a diverse global student body through innovative liberal arts education and a student-first philosophy.

Leadership Roles at Lindenwood University

  • Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer - John Kaufhold
  • Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer - Dominick Chase
  • President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success) - María Morales Palacios
  • President's Ambassador - Niambi Tucker
  • President's Ambassador - Regan Everts
  • Chief Information Officer - Rooji Sugathan
  • John Kaufhold - Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

    John Kaufhold, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Lindenwood University, manages the long-term financial health and budgetary planning for the institution. Kaufhold oversees the allocation of resources to support academic programs and campus infrastructure, ensuring fiscal sustainability across all departments. By directing comprehensive financial audits and reporting, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and regulatory compliance. John Kaufhold evaluates investment opportunities that bolster the university's endowment, providing the necessary capital for future growth and facility expansion. This leadership role requires constant coordination with the Board to align spending with strategic institutional goals. Through rigorous cost-management strategies, Kaufhold optimizes operational budgets, allowing for increased investment in student services and faculty development. By balancing revenue generation with prudent expenditure, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required to sustain the university's commitment to academic excellence.
    John Kaufhold

    Dominick Chase - Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

    Dominick Chase, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Lindenwood University, focuses on the optimization of supply chain logistics and procurement processes to reduce institutional overhead. Chase manages vendor relationships and contract negotiations, ensuring that the university receives maximum value for all operational expenditures. By streamlining internal purchasing workflows, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer enhances the efficiency of administrative support services. Dominick Chase monitors cash flow patterns to provide liquidity for immediate campus needs while supporting broader capital projects. This role involves analyzing market trends to mitigate financial risks associated with rising operational costs in the higher education sector. Through the implementation of automated financial tracking systems, Chase improves the accuracy of departmental budgeting and resource distribution. By fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer enables the university to allocate more funding toward student-centered initiatives and community engagement programs.

    María Morales Palacios - President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success)

    María Morales Palacios, the President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success) at Lindenwood University, drives student development through structured leadership training and professional networking. Palacios coordinates workshops and seminars that equip students with the skills necessary for success in the global workforce. By facilitating mentorship programs, the President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success) connects high-achieving students with industry professionals, fostering career readiness. María Morales Palacios oversees the recruitment and engagement of members, ensuring that the chapter reflects the diverse student body of the university. This leadership role involves organizing community service projects that align with the institution's mission of making a meaningful impact. Through the promotion of academic excellence and personal growth, Palacios cultivates a community of future leaders. By managing chapter operations and event logistics, the President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success) strengthens the university's reputation for producing well-rounded, socially responsible graduates.

    Niambi Tucker - President's Ambassador

    Niambi Tucker, the President's Ambassador at Lindenwood University, serves as a primary liaison between the administration and the student body to promote institutional values. Tucker represents the university at high-profile events, articulating the mission of academic excellence to prospective students and external stakeholders. By organizing campus tours and information sessions, the President's Ambassador highlights the unique liberal arts opportunities available to the diverse student population. Niambi Tucker facilitates communication channels that allow student feedback to reach executive leadership, ensuring that the student-first experience remains a priority. This role involves coordinating with various departments to support recruitment efforts and enhance the university's brand presence in the region. Through active participation in community engagement initiatives, the President's Ambassador strengthens the bond between the institution and the surrounding area. By embodying the spirit of the university, Tucker inspires current and future students to discover their potential and contribute positively to the global community.
    Niambi Tucker

    Regan Everts - President's Ambassador

    Regan Everts, the President's Ambassador at Lindenwood University, manages strategic outreach programs designed to increase enrollment and foster alumni connections. Everts develops communication strategies that showcase the university's 100+ degree programs to a national audience. By hosting prospective student panels, the President's Ambassador provides insights into the campus culture and the benefits of a liberal arts education. Regan Everts collaborates with the admissions team to streamline the transition process for incoming students from all 50 states. This leadership role involves representing the university at regional conferences and educational forums, expanding the institution's reach and influence. Through the creation of digital content and promotional materials, the President's Ambassador highlights student success stories and research achievements. By maintaining strong relationships with donors and community partners, Everts supports the university's long-term growth objectives. Ultimately, the President's Ambassador ensures that the institution's commitment to academic excellence remains visible and accessible to a wide range of prospective learners.

    Rooji Sugathan - Chief Information Officer

    Rooji Sugathan, the Chief Information Officer at Lindenwood University, directs the digital infrastructure supporting over 100 degree programs. Sugathan architects secure, scalable cloud environments that facilitate seamless learning experiences for students across 75 countries. By modernizing campus-wide network systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures high-speed connectivity for both on-campus and online learners. Rooji Sugathan collaborates with academic leadership to integrate advanced educational technologies into the curriculum, driving digital transformation across the institution. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data while optimizing administrative workflows. Through the implementation of robust data analytics, the Chief Information Officer provides actionable insights that improve student retention and operational efficiency. By aligning technological investments with the university's mission, Sugathan maintains a competitive edge in the higher education landscape, ensuring that all digital resources support the evolving needs of a diverse, global student population.
    Rooji Sugathan

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lindenwood University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lindenwood University?
    Lindenwood University is led by John Kaufhold (Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Dominick Chase (Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer) and María Morales Palacios (President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success)).
    Who is part of Lindenwood University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lindenwood University includes leaders such as John Kaufhold (Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), Dominick Chase (Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), María Morales Palacios (President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lindenwood University have?
    Lindenwood University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lindenwood University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lindenwood University includes roles such as Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success), President's Ambassador, President's Ambassador.