St Ambrose University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

St Ambrose University has 8 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, academic leadership, and institutional governance.

Rooted in a commitment to liberal arts and social justice, St Ambrose University advances academic excellence through a mission centered on Catholic values and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at St Ambrose University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Edward Henkhaus
  • President - Joan Lescinski
  • President - Carla Stevens
  • President - Thomas Prior
  • President - Ireland Stewart
  • President - John Darmody
  • President - Kevin Randle
  • St. Ambrose University - Heppy Jacobs
  • Edward Henkhaus - Chief Financial Officer

    Edward Henkhaus, the Chief Financial Officer at St Ambrose University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Overseeing the university budget, Henkhaus directs resource allocation to support academic programs and campus infrastructure. This leadership role involves monitoring endowment performance and ensuring compliance with diocesan financial standards. By optimizing operational expenditures, Edward Henkhaus strengthens the financial foundation necessary for student success. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to align fiscal policies with the broader mission of providing high-quality education in the liberal arts. Through rigorous oversight of institutional assets, Henkhaus maintains the stability required for growth. Managing complex financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency across all departments. Ultimately, Henkhaus secures the resources needed to sustain the university's commitment to social justice and academic excellence within the competitive higher education landscape.

    Joan Lescinski - President

    Joan Lescinski, the President at St Ambrose University, architects the overarching academic vision and strategic direction for the institution. Overseeing faculty development and curriculum innovation, Lescinski drives initiatives that integrate liberal arts with professional preparation. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders to expand the university's impact on social justice. By championing the Catholic identity of the campus, Joan Lescinski ensures that institutional values permeate every aspect of student life. The President coordinates with the leadership team to enhance enrollment strategies and student retention. Through consistent engagement with the academic community, Lescinski promotes a culture of excellence and inclusivity. Managing high-level institutional relationships, the President secures the support necessary for campus expansion. Ultimately, Lescinski guides the university toward achieving its long-term goals while maintaining the core mission of providing transformative educational experiences for all students.

    Carla Stevens - President

    Carla Stevens, the President at St Ambrose University, directs the operational execution of the university's strategic plan. Overseeing administrative efficiency and campus-wide policy implementation, Stevens ensures that institutional resources support the primary mission of academic excellence. This leadership role involves managing cross-departmental collaboration to improve student services and campus facilities. By prioritizing the integration of social justice into the student experience, Carla Stevens fosters an environment conducive to holistic development. The President works closely with the board to refine governance structures and enhance institutional accountability. Through the oversight of daily operations, Stevens maintains the high standards expected of a Catholic educational institution. Managing the alignment of administrative functions with academic goals, the President drives continuous improvement across the university. Ultimately, Stevens strengthens the operational framework that allows the institution to thrive as a leader in liberal arts education.

    Thomas Prior - President

    Thomas Prior, the President at St Ambrose University, leads the advancement and external relations efforts to bolster the university's market position. Overseeing fundraising campaigns and alumni engagement, Prior drives the growth of the endowment to support scholarships and research. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with donors and community leaders to expand the reach of the university's mission. By articulating the value of a liberal arts education, Thomas Prior enhances the reputation of the institution within the broader academic community. The President coordinates with the development team to secure funding for new campus initiatives and infrastructure projects. Through strategic communication, Prior promotes the university's commitment to social justice and community service. Managing the external profile of the institution, the President ensures alignment with the core values of the diocese. Ultimately, Prior secures the philanthropic support necessary to sustain long-term institutional growth and academic innovation.

    Ireland Stewart - President

    Ireland Stewart, the President at St Ambrose University, oversees the expansion of academic programs and the integration of new technologies into the learning environment. Driving innovation in the classroom, Stewart ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to the evolving needs of the workforce. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to enhance research opportunities and experiential learning. By fostering a culture of academic inquiry, Ireland Stewart supports the university's mission of providing a rigorous liberal arts education. The President manages the implementation of digital transformation strategies to improve student access and engagement. Through the oversight of academic affairs, Stewart maintains the quality and integrity of all degree programs. Managing the balance between traditional values and modern pedagogical approaches, the President drives the university's commitment to excellence. Ultimately, Stewart prepares students for success by aligning academic offerings with the demands of a changing global society.

    John Darmody - President

    John Darmody, the President at St Ambrose University, manages the institutional culture and student life initiatives that define the campus experience. Overseeing student affairs and extracurricular programming, Darmody drives efforts to build a vibrant, inclusive community. This leadership role involves coordinating with student organizations to promote social justice and service-oriented activities. By prioritizing the well-being and development of the student body, John Darmody ensures that the university remains a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. The President works with the leadership team to enhance campus safety and residential life. Through the oversight of student-centered policies, Darmody fosters a sense of belonging among the diverse population. Managing the intersection of academic and social life, the President strengthens the overall student experience. Ultimately, Darmody cultivates a campus environment that reflects the Catholic values and mission of the university.

    Kevin Randle - President

    Kevin Randle, the President at St Ambrose University, oversees the strategic planning and long-term development of the campus infrastructure. Driving the modernization of facilities, Randle ensures that the physical environment supports the academic and social needs of the community. This leadership role involves managing capital projects and coordinating with the facilities team to maintain the campus grounds. By prioritizing sustainability and accessibility, Kevin Randle enhances the quality of the university's physical assets. The President works with the board to align infrastructure investments with the broader institutional mission. Through the oversight of campus development, Randle creates spaces that foster collaboration and learning. Managing the complex logistics of facility management, the President ensures that the campus remains a welcoming and functional environment. Ultimately, Randle secures the physical foundation required for the university to continue its tradition of excellence in education and community service.

    Heppy Jacobs - St. Ambrose University

    Heppy Jacobs, the St. Ambrose University at St Ambrose University, directs the strategic marketing and communications efforts to elevate the institutional brand. Overseeing public relations and digital outreach, Jacobs drives the narrative of the university's commitment to liberal arts and social justice. This leadership role involves managing the university's presence in the media and coordinating with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging. By highlighting the achievements of faculty and students, Heppy Jacobs strengthens the reputation of the institution. The St. Ambrose University works with the admissions team to attract prospective students through targeted recruitment campaigns. Through the oversight of brand identity, Jacobs maintains the integrity of the university's image. Managing the communication strategy, the St. Ambrose University ensures that the mission and values are effectively conveyed to the public. Ultimately, Jacobs builds the brand awareness necessary to support enrollment and institutional growth.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St Ambrose University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads St Ambrose University?
    St Ambrose University is led by Edward Henkhaus (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Joan Lescinski (President) and Carla Stevens (President).
    Who is part of St Ambrose University’s executive team?
    The executive team of St Ambrose University includes leaders such as Edward Henkhaus (Chief Financial Officer), Joan Lescinski (President), Carla Stevens (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St Ambrose University have?
    St Ambrose University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St Ambrose University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St Ambrose University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President, President.