president@nku.edu

Cady Short-Thompson, Ph.D. most recently served as the CEO/Executive Director of Breakthrough Cincinnati, an educational equity nonprofit organization serving high need, high potential middle and high school students to prepare them for college and career success, as well as inspiring future educators. Previously, Dr. Short-Thompson enjoyed 25 years in higher education as an award-winning professor and successful academic leader. She served as Provost at Hope College from 2017-2021 where she nurtured high-quality academic programs and services, modernized processes, grew resources, improved accreditation compliance, and more. From 2010-2017, Dr. Short-Thompson served as Dean of the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College where she built and led a motivated team to re-envision the college, rename and rebrand it, and build a student-centered, inclusive, and student success-oriented culture. She served as the elected Chair of UC’s Council of Deans, Chair of the UC’s Diversity Council, and Chair of the state’s Inter University Council Regional Dean’s Council, in addition to countless other UC committees.

From 1996-2010, Dr. Short-Thompson served Northern Kentucky University as professor of communication, graduate program director, and department chair. She was honored as the Frank Sinton Milburn Outstanding Professor which honors excellence in teaching, research, and service. At NKU, she developed a love of scholarly teaching, a passion for student access and success, and a deep sense of student-centeredness. A published scholar, her expertise in political communication crosses the disciplines of communication, political science, and marketing. Dr. Short-Thompson earned her BA (1991), MA (1992), and Ph.D .(1997) from the University of Cincinnati. A nearly lifelong Cincinnatian, she is delighted to lead NKU, surrounded by her large family and friends. Dr. Short-Thompson and her husband of 32 years, Steve Thompson, have three children in college.