The Carroll University Board of Trustees as pillar of leadership

Carroll University, founded in Waukesha, Wisconsin in 1846, stands as Wisconsin’s first four-year institution of higher learning. Guided by the Board of Trustees, officially known as Carroll University, Inc., this body has steered the university’s mission, values, and strategic direction for more than a century. 

Carroll University board of trustees 

Governance & Leadership

• Chair (2025): Rev. Dr. Deborah A. Block ’74, Senior Pastor Emerita, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Milwaukee, WI.

• Vice Chair: Doug J. Mueller ’80, retired executive from Breakthrough®, Green Bay, WI.

• Treasurer: John Hengel ’80, retired VP of Finance at Jason Industries, Inc., Milwaukee, WI.

• Secretary: Kathy J. Wolfgram ’76, retired chemical industry executive, Columbus, OH.

• President: Dr. Cindy Gnadinger, 15th President of Carroll University, serving since July 1, 2017; previously held roles at St. Catharine College, Bellarmine University, and William Peace University.

Trustees — A Network of Alumni & Leaders

A diverse and accomplished group of alumni serve as trustees, including:

1. Sandy L. Cunningham ’78, technology and strategy executive, Versiti, Milwaukee.

2. Blane D. Dexheimer ’86, retired Northwestern Mutual director of corporate bonds.

3. Laura J. Dexter ’76, pediatric anesthesiologist (ret.), Metropolitan Anesthesia Network.

4. Laura J. Fisher‑Bonvallet ’74, designer, founder of Beauxchênes Fibre Arts.

5. Latoya R. Conners Gray ’99, Sr. Director—Credit, Fraud & Risk, WW Grainger.

6. Jane F. Hamilton ’74, businesswoman from Oostburg, WI.

7. John P. Harris ’86, co-owner of a5 Branding & Digital, Chicago, IL.

8. Susan E. Hayes ’81, retired Senior Director, Global Technology, Nike.

9. Ann E. Laatsch ’88, Justice System Coordinator, National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life.

10. David H. Laatsch ’95, VP Program Management & Project Delivery, Advocate Aurora Health.

11. Nadou S. Lawson ’08, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, ADT.

12. John Lind ’81, retired diagnostic radiologist, Appleton, WI.

13. Mary Wendt Moase ’80, CFO across diverse manufacturing industries.

14. Jack E. Riesch, owner and EVP, R&R Insurance Services, Waukesha, WI.

15. James M. Schneider ’74, Executive Chairman, Horizon Bank, Austin, TX.

16. John G. Shabushnig ’77, founder and principal consultant, Insight Pharma Consulting, LLC.

17. Bob Sullivan ’80, President/CEO, BitFire Networks & Studios, Phoenix, AZ.

18. Amy Wick ’86, retired, Dousman, WI.

19. Bart O. Williams ’91, Director, Core Technologies, Van Andel Institute.

20. Kim Wynn ’82, partner, Quarles & Brady, Milwaukee.

Honor Roll: Distinguished Alumni Trustees

• Dorval R. Carter, Jr., J.D. ’79: President & CEO of Saint Anthony Hospital; former CTA President and Acting USDOT Chief of Staff under Obama. Trustee since 2012, Board Chair 2019–2022.

• Timothy W. Sullivan ’75: Trustee since 2008, key fundraiser who helped raise $53 million during Campaign Carroll (2009–2016).

• Thomas F. Badciong ’62: Trustee 1990–2006, Board Chair 1995–2005, led Gateway Campaign, endowed $2 million including $1.5 million for Main Hall renovation.

• Vernon Tichenor: 19th‑century Carroll trustee, politician, abolitionist, Wisconsin State Assembly member.

Institutional & Cultural Context

• Mission Statement, adopted May 12, 2012: Carroll offers liberal arts education rooted in Presbyterian and Christian heritage.

• Motto: Christo et Litteris (“for Christ and Learning”).

• President’s Contract: Renewed on July 25, 2023, with praise by Chair Block emphasizing Gnadinger’s leadership.

• Strategic Initiatives Under Gnadinger: Launch of new schools and programs; renovations to major halls and facilities.

• Institutional Recognition: Named College of Distinction for 2022–23 and 2023–24; top nursing program rankings.

Voices from the Community

• Dr. David Simpson, faculty/alumnus:

  “Honoring all my former student assistants, students, advisees, emeritus colleagues, trustees, staff, faculty … Thank you for the lessons you taught me and for staying in contact. Precious Carroll connections!”

• Symone Russell ’16, alumna and diversity advocate, honored trustees José Olivieri ’78, Dorval Carter ’79, and Sandra Cunningham ’78 for leadership in inclusion efforts. Carroll created the Opportunity Scholarship Fund, seeded with $200,000.

Historical Perspective

• Presidents of Carroll: John Adams Savage (1850–1863), Walter L. Rankin (1866–1871 & 1893–1903), William A. Ganfield (1921–1939), Gerrit T. Vander Lugt (1940–1946), Nelson Vance Russell (1946–1951), Robert D. Steele (1952–1967), John T. Middaugh (1967–1970), Robert V. Cramer (1971–1988), Dan C. West (1988–1992), Frank S. Falcone (1993–2006), Douglas N. Hastad (2006–2017), and Cindy Gnadinger (2017–present).

• William Arthur Ganfield (1873–1940), president 1921–1939, expanded enrollment and endowment, introduced faculty pensions, and upheld chapel attendance requirements.

Summary: A Legacy of Leadership

The Carroll University Board of Trustees reflects a century-spanning legacy of leadership, comprising alumni, professionals, educators, spiritual leaders, and civic-minded individuals. This body not only governs institutional mission and growth but also fosters innovation, diversity, and academic excellence—from the halls of 19th-century Waukesha to the modern strategic vision under President Gnadinger.