Occidental College Executive and Leadership Team

Amos Himmelstein, the Chief Operating Officer at Occidental College, manages the operational health and administrative functions that sustain the college's distinctive urban liberal arts environment. Directing facilities management, campus services, and financial planning, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical and fiscal infrastructure supports the institution's high-quality educational experience. This role involves coordinating with various departments to streamline operational workflows and enhance the overall campus experience for students and faculty. By optimizing resource allocation and overseeing long-term capital projects, Amos Himmelstein strengthens the college's market position as a leader in higher education. Himmelstein executes strategic initiatives that improve operational sustainability, ensuring that the college remains well-equipped to prepare students for leadership in an increasingly complex world while maintaining the integrity of the historic campus.

Robert Skotheim, the President Emeritus at Occidental College, serves as a senior advisor and institutional historian, offering perspective on the college's long-standing commitment to liberal arts education. As the President Emeritus, Skotheim provides continuity and wisdom to the current leadership team, drawing upon extensive experience in academic administration to inform strategic discussions. This role involves supporting the college's mission by fostering relationships with alumni and donors who value the institution's historical impact. By maintaining a deep understanding of the college's evolution, Robert Skotheim helps ensure that current initiatives remain grounded in the foundational principles that have defined the institution since 1887. Skotheim contributes to the ongoing success of the college by providing guidance on institutional culture and long-term strategic planning, helping to preserve the college's unique identity as a premier urban liberal arts institution.

Nicholas McHugh, the President at Occidental College, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. As the President, McHugh leads the executive team in fostering an environment that promotes intellectual rigor, diversity, and global engagement. This role involves representing the college to external partners, managing relationships with the Board of Trustees, and ensuring that the institution's financial and academic resources are aligned with its core values. By championing the liberal arts model, Nicholas McHugh drives initiatives that prepare students for leadership in an interdependent world. McHugh oversees the implementation of long-term growth strategies that enhance the college's reputation and impact, ensuring that the institution continues to provide a high-quality educational experience that meets the needs of a pluralistic society while maintaining its status as a distinctive urban college.

Tom Stritikus, the President at Occidental College, leads the institution's efforts to expand its influence and academic reach within the competitive landscape of higher education. As the President, Stritikus focuses on strengthening the college's commitment to inclusive excellence and innovative pedagogy. This role involves engaging with faculty, staff, and students to cultivate a campus culture that values critical thinking and social responsibility. By spearheading fundraising efforts and strategic partnerships, Tom Stritikus secures the resources necessary to support the college's mission of preparing students for leadership in a complex world. Stritikus executes a vision that emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts education in addressing contemporary global challenges, ensuring that the college remains a vital and forward-thinking institution that attracts a gifted and diverse group of students from across the country.

Thomas Slobko, the Chief Information Officer at Occidental College, directs the digital infrastructure and academic technology frameworks essential for a premier liberal arts institution. Overseeing the integration of advanced computing resources, the Chief Information Officer ensures that faculty and students possess the tools necessary for rigorous research and collaborative learning. This leadership role involves managing complex data security protocols and optimizing network performance across the campus to support the college's mission of academic excellence. By aligning technological investments with the broader educational goals of the institution, Thomas Slobko drives innovation in digital pedagogy and administrative efficiency. Slobko maintains a focus on scalable solutions that accommodate the evolving needs of a diverse student body, ensuring that the technological environment remains robust, secure, and highly accessible for all members of the academic community.

James Uhrich, the Vice President, ITS & Chief Information Officer at Occidental College, architects the comprehensive information technology strategy that underpins the college's academic and administrative operations. Leading the Information Technology Services division, the Vice President, ITS & Chief Information Officer manages the deployment of enterprise software, cloud-based learning platforms, and robust cybersecurity measures. This leadership position requires close collaboration with academic leadership to ensure that digital resources directly enhance the student experience and faculty research capabilities. By prioritizing the modernization of campus-wide systems, James Uhrich facilitates a seamless digital environment that supports the college's commitment to a pluralistic and interdependent educational model. Uhrich drives the implementation of new technologies that improve data accessibility and operational transparency, ultimately ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of technological integration within the liberal arts sector.

Steven Gilman, the Assistant VP, Technical Services & Chief Technology Officer at Occidental College, oversees the technical implementation and maintenance of the college's specialized hardware and software ecosystems. Focusing on the practical application of technology, the Assistant VP, Technical Services & Chief Technology Officer manages the technical support teams that ensure reliable access to laboratory equipment, multimedia classrooms, and research computing tools. This role involves identifying emerging technologies that can improve the quality of the educational experience and implementing them across the campus. By managing the lifecycle of technical assets, Steven Gilman ensures that the college's infrastructure remains current and capable of supporting advanced academic inquiry. Gilman executes strategies that minimize downtime and maximize the utility of technical resources, directly contributing to the college's reputation for providing a high-quality, technology-enabled liberal arts education.

Leslie Dennis, the Board of Governors at Occidental College, provides high-level oversight and strategic guidance to ensure the long-term viability and mission alignment of the institution. As a member of the Board of Governors, Dennis participates in critical decision-making processes regarding institutional policy, financial stewardship, and the appointment of senior leadership. This role involves representing the interests of the college's diverse stakeholders while maintaining a focus on the core values of a liberal arts education. By evaluating the college's performance against its strategic goals, Leslie Dennis helps shape the future direction of the institution in an increasingly complex global landscape. Dennis contributes to the governance framework that supports the college's commitment to academic excellence, ensuring that the institution remains a distinctive and impactful leader in the higher education sector.