Hired
Jim Burkee, Saint Leo University (Florida)
Jim Burkee will leave his post as president of Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, to take the helm at Saint Leo University in September. Enrollment at Avila tripled during Burkee’s tenure and he raised more than $34 million while strengthening the university’s partnerships with Catholic organizations.
At Saint Leo, Burkee will be tasked with increasing enrollment and retention, building philanthropic support and working with community and industry partners to strengthen academic programs.
Burkee was previously an administrator at the College of Mount Saint Vincent and Concordia College, both in New York.
Brian McCloskey, Chestnut Hill College (Pennsylvania)
Brian McCloskey has been appointed the eighth president of Chestnut Hill College, after serving as interim president and vice president of financial affairs/CFO.
“He has embraced the college’s mission of providing transformative, holistic education, the pursuit of just relationships, innovative thinking and responsible action toward a more unified global society and a sustainable earth,” Board of Directors Chair Carol Steinour Young said of McCloskey in a statement.
McCloskey has been an adjunct professor for over 30 years, teaching business, accounting and budgeting at Southern New Hampshire University and Notre Dame of Maryland University.
J. Alexander Sider, Bluffton University (Ohio)
Bluffton University is promoting its interim president to the permanent role. J. Alexander Sider has been with the university since 2006, serving as a professor of religion, director of peace and conflict studies, director of university assessment programs and ADA coordinator.
He has written two books and also taught at High Point University and Duke University.
Saul Reyes, Walters State Community College (Tennessee)
Saul Reyes takes office as Walters State Community College’s fifth president on Sept. 8. Reyes is vice president for enrollment management and student affairs at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, where he has been an administrator since 2015.
Retiring
Richard Pappas, Davenport University (Michigan)
Richard Pappas, one of the longest-serving college presidents in Michigan, will retire at the end of the academic year after leading Davenport University for 17 years.
Pappas led the university in creating the College of Urban Education, the Casa Latina online bilingual program, the First-Generation Student Initiative and four five-year strategic vision plans. The graduation rate has grown by 200% during his tenure and retention increased by more than 30%.
Pappas served as president of three other colleges: National-Louis University, Lake Michigan College and Harford Community College.
Jeff Cox, North Carolina Community College System
Jeff Cox will retire in June 2026, having led the North Carolina Community College System since 2023. Cox spearheaded the development of a new vision statement focused on improving students’ economic mobility by aligning academic programs with high-wage, high-demand jobs.
He oversaw a statewide enrollment rebound and the creation of Propel NC, a business model that steers funding toward high-demand sectors of the workforce. He previously served as president of Wilkes Community College for nine years and superintendent of Alleghany County Schools.
David Hellmich, Sauk Valley Community College (Illinois)
David Hellmich will retire after 11 years leading Sauk Valley Community College. In a Facebook post, the college commended Hellmich for transforming “education, environment, and economic development” and expanding opportunities to grow local communities.
Stepping Down
Joseph Savoie, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Joseph Savoie is leaving the University of Louisiana at Lafayette after what the college describes as a “transformational 17-year tenure.”
Savoie, who will now serve as president emeritus, is credited with making significant advancements in academic excellence, campus infrastructure, research capabilities and community engagement. The university achieved Carnegie R1 classification, launched its largest-ever fundraising campaign, developed a master plan for campus growth and added undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
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