Sacred Heart University Executive and Leadership Team

Jason Ragsdale, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator at Sacred Heart University, directs all institutional operations and administrative functions. Ragsdale manages the complex organizational structure of this independent institution, ensuring alignment with the Catholic intellectual tradition. By overseeing daily campus logistics and long-term strategic planning, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator maintains the operational integrity of the university. Jason Ragsdale coordinates with the Board to implement policies that support academic growth and fiscal responsibility. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation across all departments to enhance the student experience. Through rigorous oversight of institutional governance, the Chief Executive Officer & Administrator drives the mission of providing a comprehensive liberal arts education. Ragsdale secures the future of the university by fostering an environment of academic excellence and administrative efficiency, ultimately strengthening the market position of the institution within the competitive higher education landscape.

Helen Andrus, the Chief Financial Officer at Sacred Heart University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Andrus oversees the allocation of capital resources, ensuring that financial strategies support the core mission of liberal arts education. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the long-term economic stability of the university. Helen Andrus collaborates with academic leadership to fund new initiatives and infrastructure projects that enhance the campus environment. This role involves rigorous financial reporting and compliance with institutional standards. Through the implementation of efficient fiscal policies, the Chief Financial Officer drives sustainable growth and operational success. Andrus secures the financial foundation necessary for academic innovation, ensuring that the university remains a leader in higher education. By balancing immediate budgetary needs with future investment goals, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets and resources of the institution.

Katie Duenges, the President at Sacred Heart University, leads the strategic vision and academic direction of the institution. Duenges oversees the faculty and curriculum development, ensuring that all programs align with the core values of the liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition. By fostering partnerships with academic organizations, the President drives the expansion of research and educational opportunities. Katie Duenges manages the academic senate and works closely with the Board to define the long-term goals of the university. This leadership role involves promoting excellence in teaching and scholarship across all departments. Through the implementation of innovative academic policies, the President secures the reputation of the institution as a center for intellectual growth. Duenges directs the efforts of the faculty to maintain high standards of academic rigor. By championing the mission of the university, the President ensures that the institution continues to provide a transformative educational experience for all students.

Catherine Gadue, the President at Sacred Heart University, focuses on the development of community outreach and external relations. Gadue oversees the cultivation of partnerships with local and regional organizations to enhance the impact of the university. By directing initiatives that connect the campus with the broader community, the President ensures that the institution remains an active participant in societal progress. Catherine Gadue manages the engagement strategies that support the mission of service and social responsibility. This leadership role involves representing the university at public forums and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. Through the coordination of community-based programs, the President drives the integration of the Catholic intellectual tradition into practical service. Gadue secures the standing of the university as a vital community resource. By promoting collaborative efforts, the President strengthens the connection between the academic mission and the needs of the surrounding region.

Susan Goncalves, the President UAA- SHU at Sacred Heart University, directs the operations and strategic initiatives of the University Alumni Association. Goncalves oversees the engagement of graduates, ensuring that the alumni network remains connected to the mission and growth of the institution. By managing events and communication channels, the President UAA- SHU fosters a culture of lifelong learning and support among the alumni base. Susan Goncalves collaborates with the development office to secure philanthropic contributions that fund scholarships and campus improvements. This leadership role involves organizing regional chapters and facilitating networking opportunities for graduates. Through the implementation of alumni-focused programs, the President UAA- SHU drives the continued involvement of the university community. Goncalves secures the legacy of the institution by maintaining strong ties with those who have completed their studies. By leveraging the strength of the alumni network, the President UAA- SHU supports the long-term success of the university.

Amanda Federico, the President of SHU Influencers Club at Sacred Heart University, directs the student-led initiatives focused on digital advocacy and campus culture. Federico oversees the activities of the club, ensuring that student voices are represented in the broader institutional narrative. By managing social media campaigns and student-led events, the President of SHU Influencers Club drives engagement among the student body. Amanda Federico collaborates with the marketing department to promote campus life and the unique experiences offered at the university. This leadership role involves mentoring student members and fostering a sense of community and belonging. Through the coordination of creative projects, the President of SHU Influencers Club enhances the visibility of the student experience. Federico secures the active participation of students in the promotion of the university mission. By leading these efforts, the President of SHU Influencers Club contributes to the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of the campus.

Matthew Meaney, the Band President at Sacred Heart University, directs the operations and performance schedule of the university musical ensembles. Meaney oversees the coordination of rehearsals, logistics for public performances, and the recruitment of student musicians. By managing the administrative needs of the band, the Band President ensures that the musical program contributes to the cultural life of the campus. Matthew Meaney collaborates with the music department to align performance goals with the academic mission of the university. This leadership role involves fostering teamwork and discipline among the members of the ensemble. Through the organization of high-quality performances, the Band President drives the artistic reputation of the institution. Meaney secures the resources necessary for the band to excel in both campus and regional events. By leading the musical community, the Band President enhances the overall student experience and promotes the creative spirit of the university.

Shirley Canaan, the Chief Information Officer at Sacred Heart University, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the academic community. Canaan oversees the integration of advanced learning management systems and data security protocols across the campus. By directing the implementation of innovative software solutions, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools required for modern research and instruction. Shirley Canaan manages the IT department, focusing on scalable network architecture and digital accessibility. This leadership role involves aligning technological investments with the broader strategic goals of the university. Through the optimization of digital resources, the Chief Information Officer drives efficiency in administrative and academic processes. Canaan secures the integrity of institutional data while fostering a culture of technological advancement. By maintaining robust systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the mission of providing a high-quality, contemporary education within the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Paul Baroco, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sacred Heart University, directs all brand strategy and institutional communications to enhance the visibility of the university. Baroco oversees the development of marketing campaigns that highlight the unique value proposition of the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition. By managing public relations and digital outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all platforms. Paul Baroco collaborates with admissions and academic departments to attract prospective students and strengthen alumni engagement. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to refine the institutional narrative and competitive positioning. Through the execution of targeted communication strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer drives enrollment growth and brand recognition. Baroco secures the reputation of the university by articulating the impact of the academic programs to diverse audiences. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes outreach efforts to maintain the prestige of the institution.

Chidi Emenike, the Chief Medical Officer at Sacred Heart University, oversees the health services and wellness initiatives provided to the student body. Emenike directs the clinical operations and medical protocols that ensure a safe and supportive campus environment. By managing the integration of health resources with academic life, the Chief Medical Officer supports the holistic development of students. Chidi Emenike collaborates with university leadership to implement wellness programs that address the physical and mental health needs of the community. This role involves maintaining compliance with healthcare standards and coordinating with external medical partners. Through the oversight of health services, the Chief Medical Officer drives the mission of fostering a healthy and productive learning environment. Emenike secures the well-being of the student population by providing accessible and high-quality medical care. By prioritizing student health, the Chief Medical Officer contributes to the overall success and retention of the university community.