La Roche University Appoints Three New Members to the Board of Trustees

PITTSBURGH, June 1, 2026 — La Roche University has appointed three new members to its Board of Trustees: Jill L. Ferguson ’92, Christine L. Kotarba, and Walter J. West. Together, they bring extensive experience in entrepreneurship, higher education, finance, consulting, and global business leadership.

Jill L. Ferguson ’92

Ms. Ferguson is an entrepreneur, artist, and best-selling author, as well as an alumna of La Roche University. She is Chief Executive Officer of Let’s Talk About Love SPC and Creating the Freelance Career, and Co-President of In Your Face Ink. Her work spans publishing, coaching, consulting, and higher education.

She is the author or co-author of dozens of books across academic, nonfiction, and fiction markets, including the best-selling A Salary Cinderella Story (Or How to Make More Money Without a Fairy Godmother) and A Singles Cinderella Story (Or How to Find Love Without Losing Yourself). She also hosts the podcast Let’s Talk About Love Stories from Everywhere.

Ms. Ferguson brings extensive experience in higher education, having served as a professor, administrator, and consultant for more than a decade, including work with a regional accrediting organization. She has also held leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, including serving as the first board president for The Grateful Garment Project.

A committed supporter of La Roche University, she established the Sister Rita Yeasted Scholarship in 2000 and is a recipient of the University’s Distinguished Alumni Circle Award. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication from La Roche University and a Master of Arts in English from Notre Dame de Namur University.

“I am proud to serve on the La Roche University Board of Trustees as an alumna,” said Ms. Ferguson. “La Roche played an important role in shaping my path, and I am excited to give back by supporting students, expanding opportunity, and strengthening the University’s mission of learning and service.”

Christine L. Kotarba

Ms. Kotarba is a retired partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP, where she built a distinguished career in risk management and advisory services. During her more than 25 years with the firm in New York City, she advised Fortune 100 financial services clients on internal controls, business and technology risk, audit strategy, and regulatory compliance.

She specialized in banking and investment management, with deep expertise in mutual fund operations, portfolio management, custody services, and financial controls. Her career included leadership roles across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including an extended secondment in Tokyo.

Ms. Kotarba also has a longstanding personal connection to La Roche. Her father, Richard G. Kotarba, joined the Board of Trustees in 1973 and served multiple terms as Chair. Upon his retirement in 2008, his law firm, Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP initiated the Richard G. Kotarba Outstanding Honors Project Award, which recognizes exceptional La Roche Honors students for scholarship, leadership, and community engagement. Ms. Kotarba continues to support the award and the University’s Honors Program, which prepares students for advanced study and distinguished professional careers.

“I am honored to join the Board of Trustees at La Roche University,” said Ms. Kotarba. “La Roche holds special meaning for my family, and I am proud to advance our support for the University’s mission, continued growth, and lifelong impact on students.”

Today, Ms. Kotarba is actively engaged in nonprofit governance. Since joining the Board of Trustees of Pillar Care Continuum in 2015, she has served on several committees, including as Chair of the Governance and Program Oversight Committees.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Allegheny College with a double major in Political Science and Economics, and she has executive education credentials from Rutgers University and New York University in leadership and global philanthropy.

Walter J. West

Mr. West is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of West Advisory Group, a retirement-focused financial planning and advisory firm, and Co-Founder of The Prepare Institute, an organization that provides retirement education courses that help individuals navigate life transitions with confidence.

He brings a strong connection to La Roche through his ongoing engagement with the institution in recent years. He has worked with faculty and campus partners, including the Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning and the Student Operated Learning Venture & Experience (SOLVE) Center, on initiatives supporting student career readiness, financial wellness, and experiential learning.

In addition to his professional work, Mr. West is actively involved in civic and community organizations, including Rotary International. He previously served on the Board of the North Suburban Builders Association.

Mr. West earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University.

“I am honored to join the La Roche University Board of Trustees,” said Mr. West. “My experience working with the University has given me a deep appreciation for its mission, its leadership, and especially its students. I look forward to supporting La Roche in advancing student success, strengthening experiential learning opportunities, and contributing to the University’s long-term growth.”

“We are delighted to welcome Jill Ferguson, Christine Kotarba, and Walt West to the La Roche University Board of Trustees,” said President Christina Clark, Ph.D. “Each brings exceptional experience and a deep commitment to service, ranging from entrepreneurship and higher education leadership to global finance and advisory practice. Their collective expertise will strengthen the Board and support La Roche’s continued growth as we advance our mission and expand opportunities for our students.”

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, cybersecurity and forensics, 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 women and 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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