News Story
May 07, 2025
La Roche University Appoints Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner to Lead Academic Affairs
PITTSBURGH, May 7, 2025 — La Roche University is delighted to announce the appointment of Gregor Thuswaldner, Ph.D., as the University’s next Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. Dr. Thuswaldner will officially join La Roche on July 1, 2025, following a national search that attracted a strong and diverse pool of candidates.
“We are very happy to welcome Dr. Thuswaldner to La Roche University’s senior leadership team,” La Roche University President Christina Clark, Ph.D., said. “His wealth of experience, academic leadership, and vision for the future of higher education will be invaluable as we continue to shape a vibrant, student-centered community rooted in the values of the Sisters of Divine Providence.”
Dr. Thuswaldner brings with him more than two decades of experience as a teacher, scholar, and senior academic leader in both the United States and Europe. Most recently, he served as Provost and Executive Vice President at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA, where he led significant academic initiatives focusing on student-centered learning, interdisciplinary innovation, and institutional sustainability. During his tenure at Whitworth, he implemented strategic realignment efforts, strengthened academic programs, and championed faculty development—all while maintaining the academic excellence central to the institution’s mission.
“I am deeply honored to join La Roche University—a community rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and guided by a strong emphasis on international education to shape ethical, compassionate leaders. The University’s signature phrase, ‘Engaging Minds. Embracing the World.,’ reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility, and fostering inclusiveness and belonging. I look forward to working with President Clark, faculty, and staff to advance this mission and help students thrive in a highly interconnected world."
A native of Salzburg, Austria, Dr. Thuswaldner is a multilingual humanities scholar who 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. His work reflects a deep commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition and global engagement. Dr. Thuswaldner’s publications include scholarly work in theology and literature, and he has served as an editor for major academic projects, including The Routledge Handbook of Christianity and Culture (2024).
In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Thuswaldner is a recognized thought leader in higher education. He is the editor of The Chief Academic Officer’s Handbook (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2025) and the host of the national podcast series EdUp Provost, produced in partnership with the Association of Chief Academic Officers. He is also 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.
Dr. Thuswaldner’s leadership at La Roche will play a key role in advancing the University’s mission and values. His commitment to shared governance, transparent leadership, and the transformative power of a liberal arts education aligns closely with La Roche’s priorities of peace, justice, inclusion, and expanding student success pathways. He also will help elevate mission-driven initiatives such as the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion.
About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for womenand men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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