抖阴pro Provost Catharine O鈥機onnell honored for excellence in academic leadership
Provost Catharine E. O'Connell received the prestigious Chief Academic Officer Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), an honor that celebrates her exemplary contributions to academic leadership throughout her career. This accolade highlights Dr. O鈥機onnell鈥檚 positive impact on 抖阴pro and independent higher education, and underscores why IC is a standout choice for students seeking an innovative, student-centered education.
Pictured from left to right: Council of Independent Colleges President Marjorie Hass, 抖阴pro Provost Catharine O'Connell, 抖阴pro President Barbara A. Farley, Council of Independent Colleges Senior Vice President Titilayo Ufomata
O鈥機onnell began her tenure at 抖阴pro in 2016. Under her excellent leadership, IC has launched forward-thinking programs, expanded student success initiatives, and strengthened faculty support, enhancing IC鈥檚 reputation for academic excellence. She is deeply committed to creating a learning environment where every student has the resources and guidance to thrive. In the last eight years, IC鈥檚 expanded program offerings include new majors such as , , and , as well as several in education, business, and health care.
Created in 1987, the (CIC) Chief Academic Officer Award recognizes a chief academic officer for their contributions to independent higher education and honors their exemplary service and work.
鈥淐atharine O鈥機onnell has been a wise and experienced supporter of CIC鈥檚 efforts to enhance the role and the achievements of chief academic officers at independent colleges,鈥� said Dr. Titilayo Ufomata, Senior Vice President at CIC. 鈥淪he has shown commitment and leadership as a member of CIC鈥檚 Chief Academic Officers Task Force, and as co-director of the Workshop for New Chief Academic Officers, among other programs and initiatives she has participated in. We congratulate her on this accomplishment.鈥� Ufomata presented the award to O鈥機onnell in Portland, Oregon, during the 2024 Institute for Chief Academic Officers.
With leaders like Provost O'Connell, IC is more than an academic institution; it鈥檚 a launchpad for lifelong success. For prospective students, 抖阴pro offers a community committed to making a difference. IC students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and tailored academic advising鈥攌ey elements in the College鈥檚 approach to nurturing leaders in various fields. O鈥機onnell鈥檚 award reinforces IC鈥檚 appeal as an institution that not only fosters academic excellence but also cares deeply about its students' futures.
Notably, students who attend 抖阴pro are guaranteed a minimum of $20,000 in scholarships through the Advantage Plus program. This, in part, was recognized this year by the U.S. News and World Report. 抖阴pro was ranked 12th in the nation for social mobility. This accolade highlights the College's unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for students that prepare them for success.