Oakland University Executive and Leadership Team

Alexa Tallo, the President at Oakland University, defines the overarching academic vision and steers the institution toward long-term growth. Tallo oversees the expansion of graduate and undergraduate programs, ensuring that curriculum offerings meet evolving industry demands. The President engages with the Board of Trustees to secure funding and advance the university's research profile within the competitive higher education landscape. Alexa Tallo champions initiatives that enhance student outcomes and faculty research productivity. By fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders, the President strengthens the university's impact on the local economy. This leadership role requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the pursuit of academic innovation. Tallo directs the strategic planning process, setting clear benchmarks for institutional advancement. Through consistent engagement with the academic community, the President cultivates an environment of intellectual inquiry and professional development, ultimately positioning the university as a premier destination for research and learning in the Midwest.

Jaslynn Pham, the Co-Founder & President at Oakland University, architects new organizational frameworks and drives entrepreneurial initiatives within the academic ecosystem. Pham focuses on the development of specialized programs that bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application. The Co-Founder & President manages cross-functional teams to launch innovative projects that enhance the university's reputation for academic excellence. Jaslynn Pham identifies emerging opportunities for institutional growth and secures the necessary resources to implement these ventures. By collaborating with faculty and administrative leaders, the Co-Founder & President ensures that new initiatives align with the core mission of the university. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and fostering a culture of innovation among students and staff. Pham monitors the progress of these ventures, adjusting strategies to maximize impact and sustainability. Through visionary leadership, the Co-Founder & President expands the university's influence, creating unique pathways for student engagement and scholarly achievement.

Laura Agolli, the President at Oakland University, manages the university's external relations and strengthens ties with the broader community. Agolli oversees the development of public-private partnerships that support research infrastructure and student internship opportunities. The President represents the institution at high-level forums, advocating for policies that benefit higher education and research funding. Laura Agolli directs the implementation of community engagement strategies that align with the university's commitment to regional development. By coordinating with academic deans, the President ensures that institutional outreach efforts reflect the diverse needs of the student body. This leadership role involves managing public perception and maintaining the university's standing as a research-intensive institution. Agolli evaluates the effectiveness of external programs, refining approaches to increase community participation and support. Through strategic communication and relationship building, the President enhances the university's visibility, ensuring that the institution remains a vital contributor to the economic and social fabric of the region.

Ora Pescovitz, the President at Oakland University, leads the institution's comprehensive research agenda and oversees the advancement of doctoral programs. Pescovitz drives the recruitment of top-tier faculty and supports the development of state-of-the-art research facilities. The President manages the allocation of research grants and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. Ora Pescovitz fosters an environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling researchers to address complex global challenges. By prioritizing the growth of the university's research portfolio, the President elevates the institution's national standing. This role involves working closely with the Provost and academic leadership to maintain high standards of scholarly output. Pescovitz monitors the impact of research initiatives, ensuring that findings contribute to both academic knowledge and practical solutions. Through dedicated leadership, the President secures the university's future as a hub for innovation, providing students and faculty with the resources necessary to excel in their respective fields of study.

Ivaramoix Del Rosario, the President at Oakland University, focuses on the optimization of student services and the enhancement of the campus experience. Del Rosario directs the implementation of support systems that improve retention rates and student satisfaction. The President oversees the integration of technology into student life, ensuring that digital resources are accessible and effective. Ivaramoix Del Rosario collaborates with student affairs departments to develop programs that promote inclusivity and personal growth. By analyzing student feedback and performance data, the President identifies areas for improvement and initiates targeted interventions. This leadership role involves managing the allocation of student-focused budgets and ensuring that campus facilities meet the needs of a growing population. Del Rosario champions initiatives that prepare students for post-graduation success, fostering a supportive environment that encourages academic and personal development. Through consistent focus on the student experience, the President ensures that the university remains a welcoming and productive space for all learners.

Gabrielle Abdelmessih, the President, Health Disparities Awareness Club at Oakland University, leads student-driven initiatives focused on public health education and advocacy. Abdelmessih organizes workshops and seminars that address critical health issues, promoting awareness among the student body and the local community. The President, Health Disparities Awareness Club coordinates with faculty advisors to ensure that all activities are grounded in evidence-based research. Gabrielle Abdelmessih manages the club's outreach efforts, building partnerships with healthcare organizations to provide students with practical exposure to health equity challenges. This leadership role involves planning events, managing club resources, and fostering a collaborative environment for students interested in health sciences. By facilitating discussions on systemic health disparities, the President, Health Disparities Awareness Club encourages students to consider the social determinants of health in their future careers. Through active engagement and advocacy, Abdelmessih contributes to the university's mission of promoting social responsibility and improving health outcomes for underserved populations.

Joshua Merchant, the Chief of Staff at Oakland University, directs administrative workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives across the executive office. Merchant manages internal communications and ensures alignment between departmental goals and the broader institutional mission. By facilitating collaboration among senior leadership, the Chief of Staff optimizes operational efficiency and supports the execution of long-term university objectives. Joshua Merchant monitors key performance indicators to track progress on major projects, providing critical insights that inform decision-making processes. This role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and overseeing the implementation of university-wide policies. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability and promotes a culture of accountability. Merchant drives the integration of administrative functions to support the research and educational goals of the institution, ensuring that resources remain focused on student success and faculty development across the Michigan campus.