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Carroll College Names Dr. April Ellis as New President

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. llege-names-dr-april-ellis-as-new-president.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 20:51 GMT by krtv
      Locales: Montana, UNITED STATES

HELENA, Mont. - February 16, 2026 - Carroll College, a cornerstone of Montana higher education, officially welcomed Dr. April Ellis today as its incoming President. The appointment, effective July 1, 2026, marks a significant transition for the college as Dr. Ellis succeeds the retiring Dr. John Cech, who has served with distinction for over a decade.

Dr. Ellis arrives at Carroll College with a distinguished record in higher education administration. Her most recent role as Provost and Senior Vice President at Westminster College in Salt Lake City saw her spearhead several initiatives focused on curriculum development, student retention, and faculty support. While at Westminster, she was instrumental in launching a new interdisciplinary studies program and significantly increased funding for undergraduate research opportunities. Sources close to Westminster College describe her as a collaborative leader with a knack for building consensus and fostering a positive campus environment.

The Board of Trustees at Carroll College conducted a rigorous, nationwide search to identify the ideal candidate to guide the college through its next chapter. The search committee, comprised of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees, emphasized finding a leader who not only possessed strong administrative skills but also a deep commitment to Carroll's Catholic, Benedictine traditions and its dedication to liberal arts education. The process involved numerous interviews, campus visits, and feedback sessions with various college constituencies, demonstrating a concerted effort to ensure a broad and inclusive selection process.

"We were incredibly impressed by Dr. Ellis's vision for the future of Carroll College," stated Board Chair, Ms. Eleanor Vance. "Her experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and academic innovation aligns perfectly with our goals for the college. But beyond her qualifications, we were particularly drawn to her genuine passion for student success and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life."

Dr. Ellis holds a doctorate in communication from the University of Utah, a field she believes is crucial for effective leadership and building bridges across diverse perspectives. Her academic background informs her approach to higher education, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, clear communication, and ethical reasoning - skills she intends to cultivate within the Carroll College community. She has published extensively on the topic of organizational communication, with a particular focus on the role of leadership in fostering inclusive and equitable environments.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ellis has outlined several key priorities for her presidency. These include strengthening Carroll College's financial sustainability through increased fundraising efforts and diversified revenue streams, enhancing the student experience through innovative academic programs and co-curricular activities, and deepening the college's engagement with the Helena community and the broader state of Montana. She also plans to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to ensure that Carroll College remains a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

"I am honored and excited to join the Carroll College community," said Dr. Ellis. "Carroll College has a rich history of academic excellence and a strong commitment to its students. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, and alumni to build upon that foundation and to lead the college to even greater heights."

Industry analysts predict a challenging landscape for small, private colleges in the coming years. Increasing competition from larger universities, rising tuition costs, and changing demographics are all factors that will require institutions like Carroll College to adapt and innovate. Dr. Ellis's experience in navigating these challenges at Westminster College is seen as a significant asset. Furthermore, her emphasis on community engagement could prove crucial in building local support and fostering lasting relationships with stakeholders.

Dr. Cech, the outgoing president, has pledged to work closely with Dr. Ellis during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover of leadership. He expressed his confidence in her ability to lead Carroll College into the future and wished her all the best in her new role. The college plans to host a series of events in the fall of 2026 to formally welcome Dr. Ellis to the Carroll College community.