Tulane University Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tulane University has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, athletics, finance, and academic leadership.

Driven by a commitment to research and education, Tulane University fosters academic excellence and community engagement, impacting global scholarship and local development through its diverse programs.

Leadership Roles at Tulane University

  • Chief Operating Officer - Kathleen Kent
  • Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer - Justin Schemmel
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer - Patrick Norton
  • President - Madeline Hogan
  • President - Michael Fitts
  • Chapter President - Lily Baughman
  • President of Gold Krewe Board - Melody Haskell
  • Co-President - Lindsay Ruhl
  • Co-founder and President of Tulane Table Tennis Club - Lekh Parekh
  • Co-President & Co-Founder - Carter Williams
  • Kathleen Kent - Chief Operating Officer

    Kathleen Kent, the Chief Operating Officer at Tulane University, directs the university's operational infrastructure and administrative functions. Overseeing departments critical to daily campus life and academic support, Kent ensures efficient resource allocation and service delivery across Tulane's diverse academic and research units. This leadership role involves optimizing business processes to support the university's strategic objectives, particularly in areas of public health and environmental science research. By managing facilities, IT services, and administrative operations, Kathleen Kent directly contributes to the seamless functioning of the institution, enabling faculty and students to focus on scholarly pursuits and innovation. The operational scope extends to managing budgets and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, thereby safeguarding the university's financial health and operational integrity.

    Justin Schemmel - Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer

    Justin Schemmel, the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer at Tulane University, manages the comprehensive operational framework for Tulane Athletics. Schemmel oversees the business and administrative aspects of the athletic department, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic alignment with university goals. This dual role involves directing financial planning, resource management, and operational efficiency for all athletic programs, including facilities, event management, and student-athlete support services. Justin Schemmel's leadership ensures that the athletic department functions at a high level, supporting student success both academically and athletically. By optimizing operational workflows and managing departmental budgets, Schemmel plays a vital part in the sustained success and growth of Tulane's athletic endeavors, enhancing the overall student experience and university reputation.

    Patrick Norton - Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer

    Patrick Norton, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer at Tulane University, holds multifaceted responsibilities encompassing financial management and operational oversight. Norton directs the university's financial strategy, including treasury operations, investment management, and budget administration, ensuring the fiscal stability and long-term financial health of Tulane. This senior leadership position also involves overseeing key operational functions that support the university's academic and research missions, aligning administrative services with strategic priorities. Patrick Norton's expertise in financial governance and operational efficiency is crucial for navigating the complex economic landscape of higher education. By managing the university's financial resources and directing critical operational initiatives, Norton underpins Tulane's capacity for innovation and its commitment to excellence in education and research.

    Madeline Hogan - President

    Madeline Hogan, the President at Tulane University, provides strategic direction and executive leadership for the institution. Hogan guides the university's academic vision, research initiatives, and community engagement efforts, fostering an environment of scholarly inquiry and innovation. This leadership role involves setting institutional priorities, overseeing faculty development, and ensuring the quality of educational programs across all disciplines. Madeline Hogan's commitment to advancing Tulane's reputation as a leading research university is central to this position. By championing new academic programs and research endeavors, Hogan drives the university's impact on both local and global scales, reinforcing Tulane's dedication to addressing critical societal challenges through education and discovery.

    Michael Fitts - President

    Michael Fitts, the President at Tulane University, spearheads the university's strategic direction and overall institutional advancement. Fitts leads initiatives focused on enhancing academic excellence, expanding research impact, and strengthening community ties, particularly in areas like public health and environmental science. This executive role involves guiding the university's growth, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring that Tulane remains at the forefront of higher education innovation. Michael Fitts's vision is instrumental in shaping the university's future, driving its mission to serve society through education and research. By advocating for institutional priorities and cultivating a dynamic campus environment, Fitts ensures Tulane continues its legacy of impactful scholarship and community contribution.

    Lily Baughman - Chapter President

    Lily Baughman, the Chapter President at Tulane University, leads the specific chapter's activities and represents its members. Baughman focuses on organizing chapter events, fostering member engagement, and coordinating initiatives aligned with the chapter's objectives within the broader university context. This leadership position involves managing chapter operations, communicating with university administration, and ensuring the chapter's contribution to the student body. Lily Baughman's role is crucial for the chapter's success, driving its mission and enhancing the student experience through targeted programs and activities. By overseeing chapter governance and promoting its goals, Baughman ensures the chapter effectively serves its members and contributes positively to the Tulane community.

    Melody Haskell - President of Gold Krewe Board

    Melody Haskell, the President of Gold Krewe Board at Tulane University, directs the strategic operations and governance of the Gold Krewe Board. Haskell oversees the board's initiatives, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and its contribution to the university community. This leadership role involves guiding board members, managing key projects, and fostering collaborative efforts to achieve organizational goals. Melody Haskell's focus is on enhancing the board's impact and effectiveness, driving its mission forward through strategic planning and operational oversight. By leading the Gold Krewe Board, Haskell plays a significant part in supporting university initiatives and enriching the student experience at Tulane.

    Lindsay Ruhl - Co-President

    Lindsay Ruhl, the Co-President at Tulane University, shares leadership responsibilities for a specific organization or group. Ruhl collaborates with fellow co-presidents to set strategic direction, manage operations, and drive initiatives that benefit the organization's members and the wider university community. This role involves coordinating activities, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the effective execution of organizational objectives. Lindsay Ruhl's contribution is vital to the group's success, promoting engagement and advancing its mission. By working collaboratively, Ruhl helps to enhance the organization's impact and provide valuable experiences for students within the Tulane ecosystem.

    Lekh Parekh - Co-founder and President of Tulane Table Tennis Club

    Lekh Parekh, the Co-founder and President of Tulane Table Tennis Club at Tulane University, leads the establishment and ongoing operations of the club. Parekh directs the club's activities, including organizing practice sessions, coordinating tournaments, and promoting participation among students interested in table tennis. This leadership role involves managing club resources, recruiting members, and fostering a vibrant community for table tennis enthusiasts. Lekh Parekh's initiative in co-founding and leading the club is crucial for its growth and success. By championing the sport and providing opportunities for engagement, Parekh enhances the extracurricular landscape at Tulane and supports student well-being through athletic activity.

    Carter Williams - Co-President & Co-Founder

    Carter Williams, the Co-President & Co-Founder at Tulane University, shares the foundational leadership and ongoing direction of a specific entity. Williams collaborates with co-founders and co-presidents to establish the organization's vision, manage its operational framework, and drive its strategic objectives. This role involves coordinating efforts, fostering a collaborative environment, and ensuring the successful implementation of initiatives. Carter Williams's entrepreneurial spirit and leadership are key to the entity's development and impact within the Tulane community. By contributing to its founding and ongoing management, Williams helps to create valuable opportunities and experiences for students.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tulane University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Tulane University?
    Tulane University is led by Kathleen Kent (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Justin Schemmel (Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer) and Patrick Norton (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer).
    Who is part of Tulane University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tulane University includes leaders such as Kathleen Kent (Chief Operating Officer), Justin Schemmel (Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer), Patrick Norton (Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tulane University have?
    Tulane University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Tulane University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Tulane University includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer, President, President.