St. Thomas University Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

St. Thomas University has 9 executives leading key functions including information technology, strategic planning, organizational leadership, presidential oversight, and legal society management.

Committed to academic excellence and values-driven education, St. Thomas University fosters student success through diverse programs in law, business, and health sciences while maintaining a robust, inclusive campus environment.

Leadership Roles at St. Thomas University

  • Organization President - Rachel Bisnett
  • Interim President - Rafael Capó
  • President - Stephen Ryan
  • President - Alysha Coyle
  • President - Tayshawn Peppers
  • President - Franklyn Casale
  • Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team - Bar Sadeh
  • Chief Information Officer - Frank Whidden
  • Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff - Craig Henderson
  • Rachel Bisnett - Organization President

    Rachel Bisnett, the Organization President at St. Thomas University, leads specific internal initiatives focused on student engagement and organizational development. Overseeing the coordination of campus life activities and student-led programs, the Organization President ensures that the university environment remains vibrant and inclusive for a diverse student body. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships between student organizations and academic departments to promote holistic growth. By implementing programs that support student retention and community building, Bisnett directly impacts the quality of the campus experience. The Organization President manages the logistical requirements for various extracurricular events, ensuring alignment with the university's Catholic values and mission. Through active collaboration with faculty advisors, Bisnett drives initiatives that enhance leadership development among the student population. Ultimately, the Organization President cultivates a supportive atmosphere that empowers students to excel both inside and outside the classroom, contributing to the overall success of the institution.

    Rafael Capó - Interim President

    Rafael Capó, the Interim President at St. Thomas University, provides steady leadership and maintains institutional momentum during periods of transition. Overseeing the continuity of academic programs and administrative functions, the Interim President ensures that the university remains focused on its core mission of excellence in law, business, and health sciences. This leadership role involves representing the institution to external stakeholders and managing the daily operations of the university. By fostering a culture of collaboration among faculty and staff, Capó directly impacts the stability and morale of the campus community. The Interim President works closely with the board to advance strategic priorities and secure the long-term viability of the university. Through careful oversight of financial aid and scholarship programs, Capó supports the institution's commitment to accessibility. Ultimately, the Interim President upholds the values and traditions of the university while preparing the foundation for future growth and continued academic success.

    Stephen Ryan - President

    Stephen Ryan, the President at St. Thomas University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the expansion of academic offerings and the enhancement of the university's reputation, the President ensures that all programs align with the Catholic mission and commitment to excellence. This leadership role involves engaging with donors, alumni, and community leaders to secure resources for campus development and student scholarships. By championing initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, Ryan directly impacts the university's ability to attract a global student population. The President manages the executive team to ensure operational efficiency across all departments, from law to theology. Through the promotion of innovative research and athletic programs, Ryan drives the university's competitive standing in the higher education market. Ultimately, the President secures the future of the institution by fostering an environment where students thrive academically, spiritually, and professionally.

    Alysha Coyle - President

    Alysha Coyle, the President at St. Thomas University, focuses on the advancement of student-centered initiatives and the strengthening of academic partnerships. Overseeing the development of online learning platforms and dual enrollment programs, the President ensures that the university provides flexible and accessible education to a wide range of learners. This leadership role involves collaborating with industry leaders to align curriculum with professional requirements in business and health sciences. By prioritizing student success resources and career services, Coyle directly impacts the employability and professional readiness of graduates. The President manages the implementation of new pedagogical strategies that leverage technology to improve learning outcomes. Through the expansion of international student programs, Coyle drives the university's global reach and cultural diversity. Ultimately, the President fosters a dynamic educational environment that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world, reinforcing the university's reputation for academic rigor and values-based learning.
    Alysha Coyle

    Tayshawn Peppers - President

    Tayshawn Peppers, the President at St. Thomas University, directs the operational health and community outreach efforts of the institution. Overseeing the integration of athletic programs with academic life, the President ensures that student-athletes receive the support necessary to excel in both arenas. This leadership role involves managing relationships with local and regional partners to enhance the university's presence in the community. By focusing on campus infrastructure and facility improvements, Peppers directly impacts the quality of the student experience. The President works with the faculty senate to maintain high standards of teaching and research across all disciplines. Through the promotion of service-learning opportunities, Peppers drives the university's commitment to social responsibility and ethical leadership. Ultimately, the President ensures that the institution remains a vibrant hub for intellectual and personal development, consistently delivering on the promise of a transformative education for every student enrolled.

    Franklyn Casale - President

    Franklyn Casale, the President at St. Thomas University, leads the long-term institutional legacy and the preservation of the university's core values. Overseeing the growth of the endowment and the sustainability of financial aid programs, the President ensures that the institution remains accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. This leadership role involves guiding the strategic development of the campus and the expansion of key academic departments. By fostering strong ties with the Catholic community and educational partners, Casale directly impacts the university's mission-driven success. The President manages the governance structure to ensure transparency and accountability in all administrative actions. Through the promotion of excellence in law and theology, Casale drives the university's influence in professional and academic circles. Ultimately, the President secures the institution's position as a leader in higher education, ensuring that the university continues to provide a foundation for lifelong learning and ethical service.

    Bar Sadeh - Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team

    Bar Sadeh, the Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team at St. Thomas University, directs the specialized legal training and professional development initiatives for law students. Overseeing the curriculum and practical workshops of the society, the Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team ensures that students gain hands-on experience in complex legal negotiations and contract drafting. This leadership role involves organizing moot court competitions and networking events that connect students with industry practitioners. By facilitating mentorship programs, Sadeh directly impacts the career trajectories of aspiring attorneys. The Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team manages the society's budget and strategic partnerships with local law firms. Through the promotion of excellence in transactional law, Sadeh drives the university's reputation for producing highly skilled legal professionals. Ultimately, the Founder & President, The Transactional Law Society & Team prepares students for the demands of the legal profession, ensuring they possess the practical skills required for success.

    Frank Whidden - Chief Information Officer

    Frank Whidden, the Chief Information Officer at St. Thomas University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting academic and administrative operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students, faculty, and staff across the Miami campus and online platforms. This leadership role involves architecting secure data environments to protect institutional research and student records. By modernizing campus-wide network capabilities, Whidden directly impacts the efficiency of digital classrooms and remote learning initiatives. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with academic departments to implement innovative software solutions that enhance the overall educational experience. Through the deployment of scalable cloud infrastructure, Whidden supports the university's commitment to technological excellence. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the integrity and reliability of all digital assets, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology in the competitive higher education landscape.

    Craig Henderson - Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff

    Craig Henderson, the Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff at St. Thomas University, drives the execution of long-term institutional goals and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with market demands, the Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff ensures that the university remains responsive to the evolving needs of undergraduate and graduate students. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the executive cabinet and the board to streamline decision-making processes. By analyzing enrollment trends and financial aid metrics, Henderson directly impacts the university's growth and sustainability. The Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff manages high-level projects that expand the institution's reach within the competitive Florida education sector. Through rigorous strategic planning, Henderson optimizes resource allocation to support student success and campus life activities. Ultimately, the Senior VP, Strategy & Chief of Staff secures the operational focus necessary to uphold the university's mission of providing a values-driven, high-quality education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St. Thomas University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads St. Thomas University?
    St. Thomas University is led by Rachel Bisnett (Organization President), along with executives such as Rafael Capó (Interim President) and Stephen Ryan (President).
    Who is part of St. Thomas University’s executive team?
    The executive team of St. Thomas University includes leaders such as Rachel Bisnett (Organization President), Rafael Capó (Interim President), Stephen Ryan (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St. Thomas University have?
    St. Thomas University has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St. Thomas University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St. Thomas University includes roles such as Organization President, Interim President, President, President, President.