Kendall College Names Dr. Gwen Hillesheim as Provost
New academic leader has more than 30 years of experience in higher education
CHICAGO-September 30, 2011-Kendall College announced today that it has named Gwen Hillesheim, Ed.D., as provost. In this role, Dr. Hillesheim will serve as the academic leader of the Chicago-based institution that offers degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education and hospitality management. She replaces Dr. Karen Gersten, president of Kendall College, who served as provost for the last four years.
Hillesheim, who officially began her new role at Kendall on September 1, 2011, has more than 30 years of experience as an academic administrator with extensive expertise in policy development and implementation, student services, academic oversight, assessment, faculty management, curriculum review and accreditation processes. She previously served as Vice Provost at Colorado Technical University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hillesheim to Kendall College,” said Dr. Gersten. “She is a skilled communicator who believes in team empowerment, modeling leadership and exhibiting a high level of integrity. Plus, she brings with her amazing energy and a vast academic background. The entire Kendall community will benefit from her ideas, leadership and diverse program experience.”
Prior to joining Kendall College, Dr. Hillesheim has managed programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in public, private and land grant institutions. She has also taught at the high school and college levels, including teaching research courses at the doctoral level. She graduated with a B.S. in Open Studies and an M.S. in Education and Counseling from Minnesota State University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Hillesheim has published articles on assessment from a practical perspective and has presented on topics such as faculty quality, assessment and retention.
About Kendall College:
Kendall College, founded in 1934, is located in Chicago, Illinois. Kendall offers undergraduate degrees in business, culinary arts, early childhood education, foodservice management and hospitality management to a diverse and passionate community of more than 2500 students. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities that help give students in business, hospitality and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. Kendall College was ranked the number one program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in hospitality management and culinary arts in a survey of management at Chicago’s leading hotels and Michelin Guide restaurants (ORC International - 2011 Survey). Kendall College, a member of the Laureate International Universities network, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Media Contacts:
Amber Cerda, 312-752-2472, amber.cerda@kendall.edu
Maria Alexandra Velez, 312-752-2088, maria.velez@kendall.edu
