President's Cabinet

President

Dr. Matthew J. Draud is a distinguished academic leader with over 20 years of administrative experience in higher education, Draud began his career as a full-time faculty member at Long Island University in 1997, achieving tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2003 and becoming Chair of the biology department, a position he held for 10 years. Promoted to Professor in 2009, Draud has published extensively in animal behavior and ecology. In 2013, he became a tenured Professor and Department Head at Armstrong State University, supervising a large faculty and student body. He later served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Siena Heights University and, in 2020, became Vice President for Academic Affairs at McMurry University. He has overseen significant growth and innovation, established new academic programs, and played a key role in various student affairs initiatives. He has also been instrumental in securing substantial gifts to support student success.

Draud received a Doctor of Philosophy from Lehigh University, a Master of Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a Bachelor of Arts from Thomas More University, all within the Department of Biology. He has been involved in leadership development with the Future Presidents Intensive Educational Advisory Board, engaged in service, and has been published in several articles and a book.

Provost & Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs

Dr. Brian Peterson is the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. He brings more than three decades of experience in higher education as an educator and academic leader, with prior roles at LaGrange College, Central College, and Manchester University. Dr. Peterson holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from Indiana University–Bloomington and a B.S. in Business Administration (Economics) from the University of Dayton.

Vice President of Marketing & Enrollment Management

Suzie Fischer is the Vice President of Marketing & Enrollment Management. She is responsible for admissions, financial aid, marketing and communications, events, retail, print and mail, residence life, security, and Talent Search. Fischer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Morningside College and a Master of Arts in Management - Leadership from Briar Cliff University.

Vice President of University Advancement

Christie Finnegan ('97) is the Vice President of Advancement. Christie brings more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, advancement, marketing, communications, business development, and strategic growth. Her experience includes securing philanthropic support through major gifts, grants, annual giving, and special events. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications from Briar Cliff University and has served in numerous community leadership roles throughout Siouxland.

Chief Operating Officer

Cyndi Hanson is the Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, Cyndi will provide leadership and oversight for Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, the Safety Committee, and our dining and catering services.