Briar Cliff University Renews President Draud’s Leadership with Evergreen Contract
August 19, 2026
(Sioux City, Iowa – August 19, 2026) The Briar Cliff University Board of Trustees is pleased to announce it has extended the presidency of Dr. Matthew Draud through an evergreen agreement, reaffirming the Board’s confidence in his leadership and the direction of the University.
Under the new agreement, Dr. Draud’s initial three-year commitment will automatically renew, providing continuity in leadership as Briar Cliff continues its work to strengthen the University and position it for long-term growth.
Dr. Draud assumed presidential responsibilities on July 1, 2024, and was officially inaugurated on March 12, 2025. During this time, he has led several key initiatives to strengthen the University’s leadership team, financial, operational, and academic foundations while creating new and exciting opportunities for students.
“Dr. Draud has demonstrated strong leadership and a clear vision for Briar Cliff University,” said Steve Stouffer, Chair of the Briar Cliff University Board of Trustees. “The Board has great confidence in his ability to lead the University forward, and this agreement reflects our commitment to the direction Briar Cliff is headed under the direction of his effective guidance.”
Under Draud’s leadership, Briar Cliff launched the Foundations for the Future comprehensive campaign and surpassed its initial $10 million and subsequent $12 million goals. The campaign is now working toward an expanded $15 million goal.
Briar Cliff has also expanded its academic and athletic offerings, adding dual-credit and on-demand courses, a dual-degree program in engineering, and new varsity teams, including reviving cheer and dance and launching men’s and women’s bowling.
Draud led the development and implementation of a University-wide strategic plan focused on key initiatives designed to rebuild, strengthen, and position Briar Cliff for the future. His presidency has also coincided with preparations for Briar Cliff’s centennial in 2030. The University has begun work on A Most Unlikely Place: A Century of Faith, Service, and Learning, a feature-length documentary that will preserve and share the stories of Briar Cliff’s first century.
“Briar Cliff has tremendous potential, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this University and its students,” Draud said. “The progress we have made is the result of the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, Board of Trustees, and partners. I am excited about what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”