CARROLL BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT EXTENDED

Waukesha, Wis. (July 25, 2023) The Carroll University Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to renew President Cindy Gnadinger’s contract, extending her tenure as president an additional four years.

The Board’s action represents a strong endorsement of President Gnadinger, who has led Carroll through significant growth and innovation since assuming the presidency in 2017.

“In taking this action the Board of Trustees celebrates the achievements of President Gnadinger’s first term with gratitude and looks to the future with renewed commitment to our mission,” said Rev. Dr. Deborah A. Block ‘74, chair of the Carroll Board of Trustees. “Dr. Gnadinger has a passion for the ‘all’ in ‘all students.’ She brings a teacher’s heart and a leader’s vision to a rapidly changing and complex higher education environment. She has been tireless in presenting the Board with ambitious goals and exceeding them --  even as every aspect of university life was detoured by the pandemic. Together, we will continue to move Carroll forward.”

Gnadinger is Carroll’s 15^th president and the first woman to serve in the role since the University’s founding in 1846. Among her many accomplishments, she has led Carroll through an ambitious and dynamic strategic planning process that has prioritized innovation and entrepreneurship. Four major goals mapped the University’s direction: enhancing teaching and learning, enriching the Carroll experience, building and leveraging partnerships and growing strategically.
During her time at Carroll, the School of Education and Human Services was created, with new programs including the M.A. in Teaching and the M.A. in Behavioral Health Psychology. Other programs launched during her presidency include an Associate Degree in Nursing, an Analytics concentration of the M.B.A., a Business Analytics minor and Direct Entry M.S.N. program. Last spring, the University added an R.N. to M.S.N. program and a M.E. in Organizational Development and Learning. Enrollment in graduate degree programs has increased by 18% since 2018.
In addition, innovative new bachelor’s degrees in Aviation Science/Drone Technologies and Video Game Design were added this spring. Carroll is now one of the few universities nationally to offer programs in these growing fields.

Gnadinger has also prioritized the expansion and enhancement of the University’s physical footprint. The Carroll campus has grown by seven buildings and more than 177,000 square feet since 2018. In particular, Randall School (114 S. Charles St., Waukesha) and Lindholm Administration Building (222 Maple Ave.) were acquired from the Waukesha School District to meet the physical needs for the University’s growing academic programs. Carroll also purchased and renovated a historic building on East Avenue to co-locate student services, now home to the Center for Student Life and Wellness. Renovations were made to establish a 21st century library space, which includes a new Student Success and Advising Center. Education, Rankin and Voorhees halls were renovated, as were the Carroll Street and College Avenue apartments. Van Male Athletic Complex is also being renovated, with enhancements made to the natatorium.

In addition, Carroll has received many impressive accolades during Gnadinger’s time as president. The University was named a College of Distinction and a Wisconsin College of Distinction in 2022-23 and 2023-24, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program was ranked the top B.S.N. program in Wisconsin by Nursing Process as well as by Nursing Schools Almanac.
“The future of Carroll University will be shaped by innovation and a continued dedication to the same pioneering spirit that has defined this institution over the last 177 years,” said Gnadinger. “Carroll will remain highly responsive to the markets we serve, offering academic programs that directly meet the needs of our changing society. We will also be sensitive to the ever-evolving role of higher education, offering non-traditional programs, certifications, and auxiliary services to the community in a manner that reflects the most forward thinking about higher education in the 21^st century. Our continued innovation will ensure we maintain a thriving, sustainable future for Carroll University.”

Gnadinger joined Carroll after serving at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky. in a variety of roles including executive consultant, faculty member, department head, dean and assistant vice president for academic affairs. She also held positions at William Peace University in Raleigh, N.C. as vice president for academic affairs and St. Catharine College in St. Catharine, Ky. as provost and then president.
Gnadinger earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and master’s degree from the University of Louisville. She has a Doctor of Education in education supervision from the University of Louisville. A native of Shepherdsville, Ky., she has been married to her husband, John, for more than 30 years and they have three adult children: L, Dean, and Kyle.