Past Presidents

Bonita Brown, 2022-23 (interim)

Interim President Bonita Brown led NKU during a brief but transformational time, guiding the university through a budget and administrative repositioning that set our institution up to meet the needs of learners in an era of changing student demographics and community needs. Our first woman and Black president oversaw the deepening of our commitment to student-readiness and the continuation of growing retention and graduation rates as well as important asset preservation on campus.

Illustration by Dionne Laycock

Ashish Vaidya, 2018-22

Dr. Ashish Vaidya embraced NKU's tradition of putting learners at the forefront of our work by spearheading the creation of Success by Design, a strategic framework that set our vision to be a student-ready, regionally engaged university that empowers diverse learners for economic and social mobility. During his four-plus years as president, NKU prioritized greater access to higher education, removing barriers to degree completion and advancing opportunities for career and community engagement for all learners

Illustration by David Bushle

GERARD ST. AMAND, 2017-18 (interim)

Gerard St. Amand was all set to retire from NKU, but when NKU needed leadership in 2017, he stepped in to oversee the university. “When I was asked to serve … it was made clear that no one wants a transition period of simply ‘marking time,’ waiting for the next president,” St. Amand said. “Certainly our students can’t afford that, and neither can the region we serve.”

Illustration by Chris Plummer ('99)

GEOFFREY S. MEARNS, 2012-17

The impact of Geoffrey Mearns’ 5-year presidency will be felt long into NKU’s next 50 years. He championed changing the funding model for higher education in the state, helping NKU gain a more balanced footing among Kentucky universities. He also shepherded the Health Innovation Center, due to open in 2018, from paper to construction.

Illustration by Chris Plummer ('99)

JAMES C. VOTRUBA, 1997-2012

James Votruba, NKU’s longest-serving president, created new colleges, saw massive enrollment increases and stepped NKU toward Division I. “During that time period, NKU became a national leader in what is now known as regional stewardship,” Votruba says when asked about his proudest accomplishments, “taking responsibility for advancing not only the dreams of our students, but the dreams of our region and our community.”

Illustration by Chris Plummer ('99)

JACK M. MORELAND, 1996–97 (interim)

As interim president, Jack M. Moreland did much in limited time. In addition to technology initiatives, Moreland pioneered partnerships with local corporations, starting with the launch of the Delta Air Lines call center, which provided on-campus employment for students. Fidelity Investments’ move to campus continued this important arrangement.

Illustration by Chris Plummer ('99)

LEON E. BOOTHE, 1983–96

Leon Boothe helped walk NKU toward maturity, including a determined push past its region- al reputation to expand beyond the tri-state’s borders. Among his many accomplishments over 13 years of service, Boothe globalized NKU with increased international enrollments, more study-abroad initiatives and additional foreign-language programs.

Illustration by Chris Plummer ('99)

A.D. ALBRIGHT, 1976–83

In 1976, A.D. Albright finally said yes. Previous presidencies built a new school, but Albright’s challenge was the institution’s adolescent growth, including one important perception shift. NKU was initially considered a commuter school with a roadway access problem, but construction of residence halls enabled on-campus living, providing a collegial feel.

Illustration by Chris Plummer ('99)

RALPH A. TESSENEER, 1975-76 (interim)

Before his one-year interim presidency, Ralph Tesseneer acted as vice president of academic affairs and hired NKSC’s first faculty members. Then-president Steely, occupied with launching the brand-new institution, set up in an old dance studio across the street from the Covington campus, giving Tesseneer a more traditional office to staff the school with scholars.

Illustration by Chris Plummer ('99)

W. FRANK STEELY, 1970–75

"Never before did so many do so much with so little,” said the school’s first president, and Steely’s stalwart support of NKSC contributed much of this “so much.” In 1970, while at the University of Virginia, Steely crossed snow-covered mountains in a rented Jeep to champion the college to legislators in Frankfort, Kentucky, potentially saving NKSC from the chopping block.

Illustration by Chris Plummer ('99)