Myrvin F. Christopherson has served as acting president of the Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE) since July 2008. Previously, he was president of Dana College (NE) and the Dana College Foundation, Inc., and professor of communication arts and associate dean at the University of Wisconsin (Stevens Point). He holds a PhD in communication and philosophy and, among other distinctions, was honored as Knight of Dannebrog, first class, by Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark.

Joanne V. Creighton became president of Mount Holyoke College (MA) in 1996. Previously, Creighton served as vice president for academic affairs and provost and professor of English at Wesleyan University (CT). She earned an MAT from Harvard University and a PhD in English literature from the University of Michigan. She is co-founder of Women’s Education Worldwide and past chair of the Women’s College Coalition and of Five Colleges, Incorporated. The author of four books, her scholarly work and teaching have focused on William Faulkner, Margaret Drabble, and Joyce Carol Oates.

Linda N. Hanson became president of Hamline University (MN) in 2005. Under her leadership, the university launched an innovative MBA program, a Center for Business Law, and an in-residence MFA program in young adult and children’s literature. She has also led the expansion of the university’s global partnerships and exchange programs with institutions in the Middle East and China. Previously, Hanson served as president of the College of Santa Fe (NM) and vice president for university relations and assistant provost at Seattle University (WA). She received an EdD in educational leadership and an MA in educational administration from Seattle University and a BA in English and speech communication from Southern Nazarene University.

Joseph J. McGowan was appointed president of Bellarmine University (KY) in 1990, following 22 years as a vice president and dean at Fordham University (NY). During his tenure, Bellarmine has transitioned from college to university and added 20 new programs including a school of education, school of continuing and professional studies, and Center for Interdisciplinary Technology & Entrepreneurship. He received his doctorate in higher education from Columbia University and earned BA and MA degrees from the University of Notre Dame. He is currently chair of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and has served on the boards of the American Council on Education and the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities.

Jo Young Switzer assumed the presidency of Manchester College (IN) in 2004 where she previously served as vice president and dean for academic affairs and professor of communication studies. A national award-winning teacher, Switzer is the author of Interviewing Art and Skill and a recent article about women college and university presidents. She earned her PhD and MA in communication studies at the University of Kansas and has completed postdoctoral studies at Harvard University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She serves on the boards of the Indianapolis Peace Institute and Brethren Higher Education Association.

Karl S. Wright was appointed president of Florida Memorial University in 2006 where he previously served as executive vice president and provost. He earned his PhD from Mississippi State University in economics and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Maryland. Wright is deeply involved in South Florida civic organizations, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Orange Bowl Committee, and 100 Black Men of Greater Ft. Lauderdale, Inc. He currently serves on the board of the United Negro College Fund and is a member of the Presidents’ Council of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida.