Lehigh University is currently engaged in several important leadership searches for critical roles in Athletics, Student Affairs, and the Office of General Counsel.
“As we embark on these critical searches, I am reminded of the profound impact that strong leadership has on our university community,” said President Joseph J. Helble ’82. “Each of these roles is vital in shaping the experiences of our students and advancing our institutional mission. I am confident that our search committees, comprising dedicated members from across our campus, will identify exceptional candidates who will contribute to Lehigh’s ongoing success and enhance our commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and ethical governance.”
Athletics Search
The Dean of Athletics search follows the announcement of the upcoming retirement of Joe Sterrett as Lehigh’s Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics. A national search is being started to find a successor who will lead Lehigh’s athletic programs and support the holistic development of student-athletes. The search committee, chaired by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Nathan Urban, will soon begin its work, with an emphasis on identifying an individual who will continue to strengthen Lehigh's commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.
The Director of Athletics search committee is as follows:
- Search Committee Chair: Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Nathan Urban
- Committee Members:
- Khayla Atte, Head Coach, Women's and Men's Track & Field
- Allen Biddinger, Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Events
- Hannah Dailey, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, and NCAA faculty representative
- Carol Packard, Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations
- Lucy Bowen, Director of Administration, Provost Office, is the Admin/Logistics Coordinator for the search
Korn Ferry is the firm supporting the Athletics Director search.
Student Affairs Search
In addition, the search for a new Vice President for Student Affairs is in progress. This position is integral to enhancing the student experience at Lehigh, overseeing student engagement, wellness, and leadership development. The search committee, led by Vice President for Equity and Community Donald Outing, aims to find a candidate who will advocate for student needs, promote a vibrant campus life, and foster inclusivity and student well-being.
The Vice President for Student Affairs search committee is as follows:
- Search Committee Chair: Vice President for Equity and Community Donald Outing
- Committee Members:
- Kathleen Hutnik, Associate Deputy Provost, Graduate Education
- Dugeidy Ortiz, Assistant to the VPSA/Director of Special Projects, Student Affairs
- Chris Mulvihill, Associate Dean, Student Affairs
- Naomi Rothman, Professor of Management
- Lyndon Dominique, Associate Professor of English
- Bob Flowers, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
- Kevin Dotel ’25, Undergraduate Student Representative
- Theresa Schinkowitch, Graduate Student Representative
- Tess Gillespie, Executive Secretary for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, is the Admin/Logistics Coordinator for the search
Lehigh University Human Resources is supporting the Vice President for Student Affairs search. Learn more.
General Counsel Search
Following the announcement of General Counsel Frank Roth’s upcoming retirement, Lehigh is also searching for its next General Counsel, who will be responsible for managing legal affairs and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The selected candidate will work closely with university leadership to provide strategic legal advice that aligns with Lehigh’s mission and long-term goals. A search firm is being engaged to assist in the process and will be named shortly.
The General Counsel search committee is as follows:
- Search Committee Chair: Dean of the College of Health Beth Dolan
- Committee Members:
- Joe Sterrett, Dean of Athletics
- Brett Ludwig, Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs
- Ainsley Lamberton '07G, Administrative Director, Office of the Vice Provost for Research
- Kim Nimmo, Director of Risk Management
- Melissa Blomkvist, Executive Secretary, Office of the President, is the Admin/Logistics Coordinator for the search
Current Leadership Updates
Katherine Lavinder continues to serve as the Interim Vice President for Student Affairs. The Vice President for Finance and Administration role continues to be led by Christine Cook, Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration, with Mark Erickson serving as the Interim Vice President for Strategic Planning and Initiatives. Their leadership remains vital as we navigate these transitions and work towards our strategic goals.
The progress of these searches will be communicated to the campus community as there are new updates.
