John Carroll University (JCU) invites nominations, applications, and expressions of interest as it seeks a strategic, growth-oriented, and mission-driven leader to serve as its 27th president.
Founded in 1886 by the Society of Jesus as St. Ignatius College, JCU has spent more than a century forming scholars, leaders, and people of conscience. Rooted in the Jesuit Catholic tradition and named for the first bishop of the United States, the university has long embraced a mission of academic excellence, leadership development, and service to the common good.
Located in suburban Cleveland, JCU serves 3,000 undergraduate and 500 graduate students across 70+ programs. With a curriculum grounded in the Jesuit values of intellect, character, leadership, and service, JCU offers an education that emphasizes cura personalis—care for the whole person—and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
JCU is consistently ranked among the top universities with strong outcomes reflected in impressive retention and four-year graduation rates. Its reputation for academic excellence, innovative teaching, and leadership preparation spans three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Boler College of Business, and the College of Health. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, one of the country’s most dynamic economies, the university offers rich opportunities for engaged learning, internships, and mentorship across Cleveland’s robust business, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors. It is further strengthened by a passionate and accomplished global alumni network.
After a decade of dedicated leadership, including five years as president, Dr. Alan R. Miciak will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 academic year. His successor will step into a university with an already extensive national reach and will have the opportunity to continue growing the institution’s brand as a means to expand its geographic reach. The next president will be called to build on this foundation of success, leading with vision, mission-centered conviction, and a collaborative spirit during one of the most exciting chapters in John Carroll’s storied history.
Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 1, 2025.
WittKieffer is assisting John Carroll University in this search. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s candidate portal using the buttons below. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to Lucy Leske, Christine J. Pendleton, and Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, Ph.D. at [email protected].