North Central College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

North Central College has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, academic affairs, student engagement, and specialized programs.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, North Central College provides a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering student growth through state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive support services, aiming to enrich the academic journey for all its clients.

Leadership Roles at North Central College

  • President - Harold Wilde
  • President - Abiodun Goke-Pariola
  • President, Sport Management Association - Kevin Christensen
  • President - Carolyn Sheehy
  • Harold Wilde - President

    Harold Wilde, the President at North Central College, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional advancement for the university. This leadership role involves guiding academic planning, fostering faculty development, and ensuring the alignment of educational programs with the college's mission. Wilde oversees the integration of new academic initiatives and the enhancement of existing curricula to meet evolving student needs and industry demands. The President's responsibilities extend to managing key external relationships, including those with governing bodies, community partners, and philanthropic organizations, crucial for the institution's growth and sustainability. Harold Wilde also champions the college's commitment to accessibility, particularly through programs like the Cardinal Pledge, ensuring educational opportunities remain within reach for eligible students. This executive function is central to maintaining North Central College's reputation for academic excellence and student success in Naperville, Illinois.

    Abiodun Goke-Pariola - President

    Abiodun Goke-Pariola, the President at North Central College, spearheads critical aspects of student life and campus engagement, ensuring a vibrant and supportive educational environment. This executive function focuses on developing and implementing programs that enhance the overall student experience, from academic support services to extracurricular activities. Goke-Pariola oversees departments dedicated to student success, counseling, and career services, working to equip students with the resources needed for personal and professional development. The President's role involves fostering a sense of community and belonging among the diverse student body, aligning campus initiatives with the college's core values. Abiodun Goke-Pariola also plays a key part in shaping policies that affect student welfare and academic progress, ensuring that North Central College remains a place where students can thrive. This leadership is vital for realizing the college's mission of holistic student growth.

    Kevin Christensen - President, Sport Management Association

    Kevin Christensen, the President, Sport Management Association at North Central College, leads the specialized academic and professional development initiatives within the sport management field. This executive role focuses on advancing the association's objectives, which include providing students with practical industry insights, networking opportunities, and leadership experience. Christensen oversees the planning and execution of association events, workshops, and collaborations with external sports organizations. The President's responsibilities involve fostering student engagement in sport management studies and preparing them for careers in this dynamic sector. Kevin Christensen also works to ensure the association's activities align with the broader academic goals of North Central College, enhancing the educational value for students pursuing sport-related careers. This leadership is essential for building a strong cohort of future sport industry professionals.

    Carolyn Sheehy - President

    Carolyn Sheehy, the President at North Central College, drives the strategic direction and operational excellence of the institution's academic programs and faculty affairs. This leadership position involves overseeing the development and delivery of North Central College's extensive portfolio of over 90 undergraduate majors, 60 minors, and 22 graduate degree programs. Sheehy ensures academic rigor, promotes innovative teaching methodologies, and supports faculty research endeavors. The President's scope includes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing the quality of educational offerings to meet the diverse needs of prospective students and lifelong learners. Carolyn Sheehy is instrumental in maintaining the college's commitment to academic accessibility and student success, working closely with various departments to optimize learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness. This executive function is critical to upholding North Central College's reputation for academic distinction.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding North Central College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads North Central College?
    North Central College is led by Harold Wilde (President), along with executives such as Abiodun Goke-Pariola (President) and Kevin Christensen (President, Sport Management Association).
    Who is part of North Central College’s executive team?
    The executive team of North Central College includes leaders such as Harold Wilde (President), Abiodun Goke-Pariola (President), Kevin Christensen (President, Sport Management Association) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does North Central College have?
    North Central College has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in North Central College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of North Central College includes roles such as President, President, President, Sport Management Association, President.