Arcadia University Announces Change of Executive Leadership; Dr. Christensen Named Chief Operating Officer (COO)

By Purnell T. Cropper | March 12, 2013

Arcadia University’s Board of Trustees announced that Carl (Tobey) Oxholm III will no longer serve as President, effective March 8, 2013. Dr. Nicolette DeVille Christensen has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Arcadia, assuming full financial and administrative duties and all responsibilities applicable to a University President.

As Vice President, Dr. Christensen leads The College of Global Studies international team of faculty and staff in support of strong academic programs and educational initiatives serving students in over 140 programs throughout the world. Dr. Christensen is a recognized leader in international education, having served on task forces, committees, and professional boards including the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), the Special Olympics Advisory Board, and the International Association of University Presidents/United Nations Commission on Disarmament Education, Conflict Resolution and Peace.

Dr. Christensen has over two decades of experience in a variety of roles in higher education and business, having served as Executive Director of Global Academic Management at New York University (NYU) and as Chair of the Business Management Department and Director of Study Abroad Programs at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C.

She holds an M.B.A. from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

The Board would like to underscore its confidence in Dr. Christensen’s leadership and experience, and in their belief that Arcadia’s students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community will be well served.