Jenifer K. Ward
President at Luther College- Claim this Profile
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German Native or bilingual proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Annie Van Avery
Jenifer embodies all of the best traits in a leader. She is a collaborator and unifier by nature, able to move projects and institutions from complex issues through visioning, strategy, and action. I have learned so much from Jenifer as I have undertaken leadership roles – how to support engagement from diverse communities, how to listen to different points of view and support a shared path forward, how to build and sustain lasting relationships and in all of this work, how to put the mission first. Jenifer leads with integrity and proven results. I have watched her transform departments and institutions into thriving, relevant, and innovative centers for learning. She is adept at all elements of higher education leadership including faculty development, curriculum development, philanthropy and donor stewardship, and strategic planning. In addition to being a leader who is accountable for meeting ambitious objectives, Jenifer is an absolute pleasure to partner with in this work. She empowers and lifts up the strengths of her colleagues so that all efforts are focused on the mission of the institution. I would not hesitate to recommend Jenifer in a role that requires steadfast, exceptional, relational and transformational leadership.
Ashlie Daigle
Dr. Ward is a tireless advocate for those that work for her: she makes it truly a pleasure to be in her reporting line. She is collaborative, thoughtful, supportive, and fearless. She asks the hard questions, and encourages creative thinking. She strives to align the goals of the college with what is best for students, staff, and faculty alike. Her job requires balancing the priorities of both the academic and extracurricular sides of the college, which is a tremendous feat, but a challenge she rises to on a daily basis. She is a wonderful role model to all, especially to other women in the field. I am better for having worked for her, and recommend her enthusiastically for any opportunities she would pursue.
Annie Van Avery
Jenifer embodies all of the best traits in a leader. She is a collaborator and unifier by nature, able to move projects and institutions from complex issues through visioning, strategy, and action. I have learned so much from Jenifer as I have undertaken leadership roles – how to support engagement from diverse communities, how to listen to different points of view and support a shared path forward, how to build and sustain lasting relationships and in all of this work, how to put the mission first. Jenifer leads with integrity and proven results. I have watched her transform departments and institutions into thriving, relevant, and innovative centers for learning. She is adept at all elements of higher education leadership including faculty development, curriculum development, philanthropy and donor stewardship, and strategic planning. In addition to being a leader who is accountable for meeting ambitious objectives, Jenifer is an absolute pleasure to partner with in this work. She empowers and lifts up the strengths of her colleagues so that all efforts are focused on the mission of the institution. I would not hesitate to recommend Jenifer in a role that requires steadfast, exceptional, relational and transformational leadership.
Ashlie Daigle
Dr. Ward is a tireless advocate for those that work for her: she makes it truly a pleasure to be in her reporting line. She is collaborative, thoughtful, supportive, and fearless. She asks the hard questions, and encourages creative thinking. She strives to align the goals of the college with what is best for students, staff, and faculty alike. Her job requires balancing the priorities of both the academic and extracurricular sides of the college, which is a tremendous feat, but a challenge she rises to on a daily basis. She is a wonderful role model to all, especially to other women in the field. I am better for having worked for her, and recommend her enthusiastically for any opportunities she would pursue.
Annie Van Avery
Jenifer embodies all of the best traits in a leader. She is a collaborator and unifier by nature, able to move projects and institutions from complex issues through visioning, strategy, and action. I have learned so much from Jenifer as I have undertaken leadership roles – how to support engagement from diverse communities, how to listen to different points of view and support a shared path forward, how to build and sustain lasting relationships and in all of this work, how to put the mission first. Jenifer leads with integrity and proven results. I have watched her transform departments and institutions into thriving, relevant, and innovative centers for learning. She is adept at all elements of higher education leadership including faculty development, curriculum development, philanthropy and donor stewardship, and strategic planning. In addition to being a leader who is accountable for meeting ambitious objectives, Jenifer is an absolute pleasure to partner with in this work. She empowers and lifts up the strengths of her colleagues so that all efforts are focused on the mission of the institution. I would not hesitate to recommend Jenifer in a role that requires steadfast, exceptional, relational and transformational leadership.
Ashlie Daigle
Dr. Ward is a tireless advocate for those that work for her: she makes it truly a pleasure to be in her reporting line. She is collaborative, thoughtful, supportive, and fearless. She asks the hard questions, and encourages creative thinking. She strives to align the goals of the college with what is best for students, staff, and faculty alike. Her job requires balancing the priorities of both the academic and extracurricular sides of the college, which is a tremendous feat, but a challenge she rises to on a daily basis. She is a wonderful role model to all, especially to other women in the field. I am better for having worked for her, and recommend her enthusiastically for any opportunities she would pursue.
Annie Van Avery
Jenifer embodies all of the best traits in a leader. She is a collaborator and unifier by nature, able to move projects and institutions from complex issues through visioning, strategy, and action. I have learned so much from Jenifer as I have undertaken leadership roles – how to support engagement from diverse communities, how to listen to different points of view and support a shared path forward, how to build and sustain lasting relationships and in all of this work, how to put the mission first. Jenifer leads with integrity and proven results. I have watched her transform departments and institutions into thriving, relevant, and innovative centers for learning. She is adept at all elements of higher education leadership including faculty development, curriculum development, philanthropy and donor stewardship, and strategic planning. In addition to being a leader who is accountable for meeting ambitious objectives, Jenifer is an absolute pleasure to partner with in this work. She empowers and lifts up the strengths of her colleagues so that all efforts are focused on the mission of the institution. I would not hesitate to recommend Jenifer in a role that requires steadfast, exceptional, relational and transformational leadership.
Ashlie Daigle
Dr. Ward is a tireless advocate for those that work for her: she makes it truly a pleasure to be in her reporting line. She is collaborative, thoughtful, supportive, and fearless. She asks the hard questions, and encourages creative thinking. She strives to align the goals of the college with what is best for students, staff, and faculty alike. Her job requires balancing the priorities of both the academic and extracurricular sides of the college, which is a tremendous feat, but a challenge she rises to on a daily basis. She is a wonderful role model to all, especially to other women in the field. I am better for having worked for her, and recommend her enthusiastically for any opportunities she would pursue.
Credentials
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Institute for Board Chairs and Presidents of Independent Universities and Colleges 2022
AGB (Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges)Jun, 2022- Oct, 2024 -
Advancement Top Mentor
EverTrue Presents: Advancement's Top MentorsJan, 2022- Oct, 2024
Experience
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Luther College
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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President
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Jul 2019 - Present
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Centenary College of Louisiana
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United States
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Higher Education
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100 - 200 Employee
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Caroline and Ed Crawford Eminent Scholars Chair of Liberal Arts
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Jan 2015 - Jun 2019
Professor of Modern Languages
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Provost and Dean of the College
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Jun 2014 - Jun 2019
The Provost and Dean of the College is responsible for integrating a liberal arts curriculum with co-curricular programming to shape an educational experience designed to promote the intentional intellectual, personal and professional growth of the whole student. Areas reporting directly to the Provost are: Academic Affairs, including all academic departments, schools, and programs, the office of the Vice-Provost (including the offices of the Associate Provost for Institutional Research… Show more The Provost and Dean of the College is responsible for integrating a liberal arts curriculum with co-curricular programming to shape an educational experience designed to promote the intentional intellectual, personal and professional growth of the whole student. Areas reporting directly to the Provost are: Academic Affairs, including all academic departments, schools, and programs, the office of the Vice-Provost (including the offices of the Associate Provost for Institutional Research, Registration and Records, the Registrar, and the Assistant Provost for Student Success), the library, the Meadows Museum, the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse; Student Development, including the Dean of Students, Global Engagement, Career Exploration and Integrated Advising, Residence Life, Health and Wellness, and Student Activities. The Provost is a member of the President’s Cabinet and is responsible for collaborative development of an institutional budget that allocates resources in support of the College’s mission.
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Cornish College of the Arts
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United States
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Higher Education
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100 - 200 Employee
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Dean of the College
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Jul 2013 - Mar 2014
Cornish is a baccalaureate (BFA, BMus) visual and performing arts college in Seattle. In addition, the College also has a historic community arts program, Preparatory Dance, and a robust Summer at Cornish pre-college program. The Dean of the College is a Cabinet-level position designed to provide leadership for interdisciplinary, cross-College, international, and externally focused initiatives. Areas directly under the Dean’s purview include the Gallery and Exhibitions Program, the Cornish… Show more Cornish is a baccalaureate (BFA, BMus) visual and performing arts college in Seattle. In addition, the College also has a historic community arts program, Preparatory Dance, and a robust Summer at Cornish pre-college program. The Dean of the College is a Cabinet-level position designed to provide leadership for interdisciplinary, cross-College, international, and externally focused initiatives. Areas directly under the Dean’s purview include the Gallery and Exhibitions Program, the Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, Summer at Cornish, External Programs, Accreditation, and InterArts.
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Associate Provost
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Jul 2007 - Mar 2014
As Associate Provost, I shared leadership with the Provost in administering all academic and student affairs programs. Oct 2013-Mar 2014, I served as Interim Provost.
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Program Director
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Sep 2011 - Mar 2014
The Neddy at Cornish is a regional artist award program funded by the Behnke Foundation. I wrote the proposal to have the program administered by Cornish. We competed against Artist Trust and the Tacoma Art Museum and were chosen, with an initial award of $385,000 and a subsequent bequest of $250,000 for a total of $635,000 during my time with the program. It continues under new leadership, and with further funding, subsequent to my move to another institution. Key accomplishments: •… Show more The Neddy at Cornish is a regional artist award program funded by the Behnke Foundation. I wrote the proposal to have the program administered by Cornish. We competed against Artist Trust and the Tacoma Art Museum and were chosen, with an initial award of $385,000 and a subsequent bequest of $250,000 for a total of $635,000 during my time with the program. It continues under new leadership, and with further funding, subsequent to my move to another institution. Key accomplishments: • I co-authored the grant proposal and served as the founding director and administrator of the program, which features a competition, a major exhibition, an annual public lecture, and year long supporting programming. • In the first two years of the program, we received 600 applications; awarded $1000 each to 12 finalists; awarded $25,000 each to four Neddy recipients; hosted several artist talks and lectures, and multiple exhibitions. The program continues under new leadership. Show less The Neddy at Cornish is a regional artist award program funded by the Behnke Foundation. I wrote the proposal to have the program administered by Cornish. We competed against Artist Trust and the Tacoma Art Museum and were chosen, with an initial award of $385,000 and a subsequent bequest of $250,000 for a total of $635,000 during my time with the program. It continues under new leadership, and with further funding, subsequent to my move to another institution. Key accomplishments: •… Show more The Neddy at Cornish is a regional artist award program funded by the Behnke Foundation. I wrote the proposal to have the program administered by Cornish. We competed against Artist Trust and the Tacoma Art Museum and were chosen, with an initial award of $385,000 and a subsequent bequest of $250,000 for a total of $635,000 during my time with the program. It continues under new leadership, and with further funding, subsequent to my move to another institution. Key accomplishments: • I co-authored the grant proposal and served as the founding director and administrator of the program, which features a competition, a major exhibition, an annual public lecture, and year long supporting programming. • In the first two years of the program, we received 600 applications; awarded $1000 each to 12 finalists; awarded $25,000 each to four Neddy recipients; hosted several artist talks and lectures, and multiple exhibitions. The program continues under new leadership. Show less
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Gustavus Adolphus College
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United States
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Higher Education
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500 - 600 Employee
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Chair, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Associate Professor of German
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1995 - 2007
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Associate Professor of German
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1995 - 2007
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Education
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1980 - 1992
Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., Germanic Languages and Literatures (dissertation in Cinema) -
Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Certificate, The Fund Raising School, Principles and Techniques of Fundraising -
1976 - 1980
Hendrix College
B.A., German
Community
