LRU Appoints New VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty
Dear University Community,
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Gregor Thuswaldner, Ph.D., as La Roche University’s next Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, following a national search that drew a strong and diverse pool of candidates. Dr. Thuswaldner will officially join La Roche on July 1, bringing with him more than two decades of experience as a teacher, scholar, and senior academic leader at faith-based institutions in both the United States and Europe.
A native of Salzburg, Austria, and a lifelong advocate for values-driven education, Dr. Thuswaldner most recently served as Provost and Executive Vice President at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where he led major academic initiatives focused on student-centered learning, interdisciplinary innovation, and institutional sustainability. During his tenure, he implemented strategic realignment efforts, strengthened academic programs, and championed faculty development—all while preserving the academic excellence central to the university’s mission. Dr. Thuswaldner holds a Ph.D. in German Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from North Park University in Chicago, and a Mag. phil. from the University of Vienna, Austria.
Dr. Thuswaldner is a multilingual humanities scholar whose work reflects a deep commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition and global engagement. His publications include theological and literary scholarship, as well as editorial leadership on major projects such as The Routledge Handbook of Christianity and Culture (2024). He also is a seasoned thought leader in higher education, currently serving as editor of The Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025) and host of the national podcast series EdUp Provost, produced in partnership with the Association of Chief Academic Officers. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Throughout his career, Dr. Thuswaldner has been guided by a strong belief in shared governance, transparent leadership, and the transformative power of a liberal arts education. He brings with him extensive experience in strategic budgeting, academic portfolio review, faculty support, and program innovation—key areas of focus for La Roche as we continue to advance our mission in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
Importantly, Dr. Thuswaldner shares a deep alignment with the values of La Roche and the charism of the Sisters of Divine Providence. His leadership will play a vital role in strengthening our commitment to peace, justice, and inclusion, expanding student success pathways, and elevating the work of the Ketteler Center and other mission-driven initiatives.
Dr. Thuswaldner and his wife, Pamela, are the parents of Lilly (19), currently a freshman at Whitworth University, and Alex (16), a high school sophomore.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Thuswaldner to the La Roche community. We are excited for the leadership, vision, and collaborative spirit he brings, and I look forward to the work we will do together in support of our faculty, students, and broader mission.
Warm Regards,
Christina A. Clark, Ph.D.
President, La Roche University
