WPU announced Thursday that Cindy Gnadinger, Ed.D., former assistant vice president for academic affairs at Bellermine University, has been named its new vice president for academic affairs.
Dr. Ann Denlinger retired from the position over the summer.
“I am honored to join William Peace University as its vice president for academic affairs,” said Gnadinger. “I have already experienced the warmth and welcoming nature of the William Peace University campus, and it is clear how passionate the entire university community is to supporting each other. The university has a remarkable faculty and staff, and I look forward to working closely with them as we prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.”
In her position, Gnadinger will report directly to President Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., and serve as a member of the senior cabinet to create institutional goals, priorities and policies, lead faculty, and implement and assess an innovative curriculum for the University.
She will play a central role in the university’s faculty recruitment, promotion and professional development as well.
As the University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, she will contribute to maintaining the standards set for accreditation by the organization.
With more than 19 years of experience in higher education, including a decade in academic administration, Gnadinger assumes her position after having served as assistant vice president for academic affairs and dean of the school of education at Bellarmine University, an independent Catholic institution of higher learning based in Louisville, Ky., where she was the recipient of a 2013 Fulbright Award.
She joined Bellarmine in 2000 after having served six years in various capacities including part-time faculty, professional development school liaison, and as a researcher on several research grants at the University of Louisville. Gnadinger received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green before attaining her Masters of Education in early education and her Doctorate in supervision of instruction from the University of Louisville. In 2010, she was a recipient of a national leadership faculty appointment with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.
Gnadinger has served as a reviewer for the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges, as a Kentucky Board examiner for K-12 state accreditation, and on a Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board Committee. Her numerous publications, grants and presentations nationally have focused on developing and improving programming for K-12 educators and children.
“Dr. Gnadinger brings valuable experience in academic administration to our staff, including several successes in faculty recruitment, mentoring and program development, and I am pleased she is assuming this role helping to lead our university as we grow and reach new levels of excellence,” said Townsley. “It is an honor to have her join William Peace University, and I look forward to her contributions to our institution.”
Gnadinger will begin her role with the university in November 2013.