Lindenwood University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

    Dominick Chase, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Lindenwood University, manages the long-term financial health and budgetary planning for the institution. Chase oversees capital allocation and endowment growth to support the expansion of liberal arts programs. By monitoring fiscal performance, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains the resources necessary for student-first initiatives. This role involves coordinating with the Board to establish sustainable revenue models that support diverse academic offerings. Dominick Chase drives cost-efficiency measures across all departments to maximize the impact of tuition and grant funding. Through rigorous financial auditing and risk management, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer protects the institutional assets. By balancing operational expenses with strategic investments in campus facilities, Chase fosters an environment conducive to academic success and community engagement for the entire student body.

    John Kaufhold - Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

    John Kaufhold, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Lindenwood University, executes procurement strategies and supply chain logistics for the university campus. Kaufhold manages vendor relationships and contract negotiations to reduce operational overhead. By streamlining purchasing processes, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer improves the efficiency of administrative support services. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize the acquisition of educational materials and campus infrastructure supplies. John Kaufhold drives initiatives that align departmental spending with the core mission of providing high-quality liberal arts education. Through the oversight of auxiliary services, the Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer ensures that campus operations remain cost-effective and responsive to student needs. By maintaining strict fiscal discipline, Kaufhold supports the financial stability required to sustain the university's commitment to academic excellence and community impact.
    John Kaufhold

    Niambi Tucker - President's Ambassador

    Niambi Tucker, the President's Ambassador at Lindenwood University, represents the institution during high-level external engagements and community outreach events. Tucker facilitates connections between the university and regional stakeholders to promote the value of liberal arts degrees. By acting as a liaison for the President, the President's Ambassador strengthens partnerships with local organizations and prospective donors. This role involves organizing public relations campaigns that highlight the achievements of the student body and faculty. Niambi Tucker drives initiatives that increase the visibility of the university within the St. Louis area and beyond. Through active participation in community forums, the President's Ambassador fosters a culture of engagement and service. By articulating the institutional mission to diverse audiences, Tucker enhances the reputation of the university. This leadership position remains essential for building the external support networks that sustain the long-term growth and influence of the institution.
    Niambi Tucker

    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, leads student-driven initiatives focused on professional development and leadership training. Palacios coordinates workshops and mentorship programs that prepare students for success in their chosen careers. By fostering a community of high-achieving individuals, the President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success) encourages academic excellence and personal growth. This role involves collaborating with faculty advisors to align chapter activities with the university's student-first philosophy. María Morales Palacios drives engagement by organizing networking events that connect students with industry leaders. Through the promotion of leadership skills, the President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success) empowers participants to make a meaningful impact in the world. By cultivating a supportive environment, Palacios ensures that students develop the confidence and capabilities necessary to excel in their professional lives.

    Regan Everts - President's Ambassador

    Regan Everts, the President's Ambassador at Lindenwood University, manages internal communications and student-to-administration feedback loops. Everts coordinates campus-wide events that celebrate the diverse cultural background of the student population. By facilitating dialogue between the student body and university leadership, the President's Ambassador ensures that institutional policies reflect the needs of the community. This role involves representing the university at recruitment fairs and academic conferences to attract prospective students from across the country. Regan Everts drives initiatives that promote student retention and campus involvement. Through the development of peer-mentoring programs, the President's Ambassador supports the academic journey of students from all 50 states. By embodying the values of the institution, Everts strengthens the sense of belonging among the student body. This leadership role remains critical for maintaining the vibrant, student-centered environment that defines the university experience for every individual on campus.

    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 scalable cloud solutions and cybersecurity frameworks to protect data for students across 75 countries. By modernizing campus networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for both on-campus and online learners. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to integrate educational technology into the classroom experience. Rooji Sugathan drives digital transformation initiatives that enhance administrative efficiency and student engagement. Through the implementation of advanced analytics, the Chief Information Officer optimizes resource allocation across the institution. By aligning technology investments with the broader mission of academic excellence, Sugathan secures the digital future of the university. This strategic oversight remains vital for maintaining the competitive edge of the institution within the evolving landscape of higher education.
    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 Dominick Chase (Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as John Kaufhold (Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer) and Niambi Tucker (President's Ambassador).
    Who is part of Lindenwood University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lindenwood University includes leaders such as Dominick Chase (Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), John Kaufhold (Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), Niambi Tucker (President's Ambassador) 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's Ambassador, President, Nsls , Lindenwood Chapter (National Society of Leadership & Success), President's Ambassador.