Briar Cliff Announces Executive Cabinet
August 14, 2023
Dr. Patrick J. Schulte, Briar Cliff University President, announces additions and promotions of the executive cabinet to support the continued growth of Briar Cliff University.
Shirin Edwin joins Briar Cliff as Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Edwin has 18 years of experience in higher education, working in various academic capacities. She will supervise and manage academic departments and programs at the University.
Dr. Edwin comes to BCU after serving as the Interim Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota. During her time, she led the processes to initiate the Quality Initiative Project for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Before that role, she was the institution’s Dean for the College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Edwin oversaw all undergraduate and graduate academic programs, certificates, Master of Liberal Studies, and Master of Technical Communication. In May 2023, Dr. Edwin launched and co-led the inaugural study abroad trip to Japan, where students part of the summer studying abroad in Tokyo and Tateyama.
Dr. Edwin holds a Diplôme Supérieur de la Langue Française from Alliance Française de Bangalore, India, along with a Mittelstufe III from Max Muller Bhavan. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Psychology, and Economics from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, India, and a Master of Arts in French from Bangalore University. She completed a Ph.D. in French with a minor in German Language and Literature from Vanderbilt University. She recently completed her Executive Women in Leadership certificate from Cornell University
John Robertson joins Briar Cliff as the Vice President of Finance and Administration. Robertson has served 18 years in education in various capacities within finance and operations. He will provide leadership and manage financial and administrative services, including the business office and facility operations.
Most recently, Robertson served as the Director of Operations at Lutheran High Northeast in Norfolk, Nebraska, supervising all school financial records, human resources, payroll management, and oversaw the development efforts and donor relations to meet funding goals. He also spent ten years as the Director of Accounting Services at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska, where he led the accounting staff and was essential in implementing the Banner Finance Module. Robertson began his career at Belmont University, serving as a Grants and Restricted Funds Accountant, Interim Controller, and Manager – Accounts Payable during his tenure.
Robertson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Belmont University and a Master of Science in Strategic Finance from Bellevue University.
Suzie Fischer, Vice President of University Relations, was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer. The promotion is in addition to her responsibilities as Vice President of University Relations, where she oversees marketing and communications, print and mail services, and events.
In the role of Chief Strategy Officer, Fischer will continue to lead the development of the next university strategic plan, outline and measure key performance indicators that tie university operations to the strategic plan, partner with campus leadership and the Board of Trustees to highlight how Briar Cliff University is living the mission and strategic plan, as well as be a key partner in the Higher Learning Commission Accreditation.
Fischer holds a bachelor’s degree from Morningside College and is pursuing her master’s in management from Briar Cliff University. She is also a board member for the Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) and a certified public information officer.