John Carroll University welcomed two new academic leaders this fall, as Sean Hansen took over as dean of the Boler College of Business and Catherine Campbell stepped into her role as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Both leaders bring a vision rooted in collaboration, innovation and community engagement.
Hansen, Ph.D., a Euclid native with deep family ties to JCU, said the opportunity to lead Boler was both professional and personal. His father and uncle are alumni of the university and Hansen described his return to Northeast Ohio as “a bit of a homecoming.”
“My initial goal in starting here at John Carroll was to get a deep sense of the community and culture of the university,” Hansen said. “I feel that I have made a lot of progress in that regard, but now that our student body is back on campus, I am sure that many rich insights await me. I have already been tremendously impressed by the dedication and level of engagement that JCU students demonstrate.”
For the 2025–2026 school year, Hansen said his top priority is overseeing the creation of a new strategic plan for Boler College of Business. The plan, he said, will chart “a bold course forward in a complex and rapidly evolving global business landscape” while keeping JCU’s Jesuit mission at its core.
Other near-term goals include curricular innovation and strengthening interdisciplinary opportunities. Hansen pointed to the MBA program as a place for growth and said he looks forward to working closely with faculty and fellow deans on initiatives that cross academic boundaries.
“I am so grateful for the strong partnerships I have already formed with my fellow deans and I am confident that we will be able to build valuable curricular bridges between the colleges,” he said. “I believe I can speak for my colleagues when I say that we welcome the input and perspectives of our students as critical stakeholders in those efforts.”
Campbell, Ph.D., who most recently came from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, said she is excited to continue building on JCU’s strong liberal arts tradition.
“Since arriving this summer, I am learning about the amazing community and opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences,” Campbell said. “We are a large and diverse college with a place for every student, whether through the core, a major or a minor. Our objectives are to build intellectual curiosity, increase general funds of knowledge and further develop skills to think and communicate.”
She added that CAS is working on several initiatives this year to help students connect academics with post-graduation outcomes.
“In CAS, we prepare students for professional programs such as law or medicine, graduate study in programs such as public policy and creative writing, and employment immediately after graduation,” Campbell said. “We are working on strengthening our collaboration with Career Services, integrating AI skills and discernment as is appropriate in our disciplines and, in the end, give students the tools they need to feel confident in the value of a liberal arts education.”
Looking further ahead, Campbell said rapid technological changes will require continued curriculum review and innovation. “AI developments and other technological advances will require constant attention and adjustments,” she said. “Also, I, along with CAS faculty and staff, will continue to tell the JCU story as we increase outreach and continue to attract the caliber of students we have now.”
Hansen echoed the importance of long-term planning, particularly around raising JCU’s profile nationally. “Many people refer to JCU as one of our region’s ‘best kept secrets.’ Well, we need to make sure that it remains a secret no longer,” he said.
Both deans said they were drawn to John Carroll’s Jesuit mission. For Campbell, that mission was central to her decision.
“I was drawn to the mission of John Carroll,” she said. “As a psychologist, I am interested in educating the whole person and JCU demonstrates this commitment in so many ways. The Jesuit network is strong with many opportunities for my own life learning.”
Campbell said her first months have confirmed her excitement about joining the university. “I enjoy seeing the positivity when walking across the beautiful campus and have been impressed by the talent and resources for student success. JCU is a special place, combining mission with academic excellence.”
Outside of work, both deans are rediscovering Northeast Ohio. Hansen mentioned longtime favorite locations like the Cleveland Museum of Art, Progressive Field and the West Side Market, while also enjoying newer spots such as the Van Aken District. Campbell, who resides in Tremont, said she has been exploring local parks and cultural attractions. “I have enjoyed the Cuyahoga National Park, Blossom Music Center and the Nature Center at Shaker Lake near campus,” she said.
As John Carroll looks ahead, Hansen and Campbell said they are committed to guiding their colleges with openness, innovation and a steadfast commitment to the university’s Jesuit values.
