Carroll College is entering a new chapter of leadership. Following a change in presidential transition plans, the Carroll College Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Jennifer Glowienka, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Bishop Austin Vetter, Bishop of the Diocese of Helena, to serve as Interim Co-Presidents for the 2025–26 academic year. This co-presidency model reflects Carroll’s commitment to collaborative leadership, institutional stability, and faithful stewardship during a pivotal year for the college.
About the Interim Co-Presidents:
- Dr. Jennifer Glowienka — Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Carroll College since July 2021. A member of the Carroll faculty since 2003, Dr. Glowienka brings over two decades of experience in academic leadership and teaching. She holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary botany from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a B.S. in biology from Boise State University. Her previous roles at Carroll include Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assistant Dean of Instruction, and Chair of the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences. She was named the James J. Manion Endowed Chair in the Biological Sciences in 2018 and received Carroll’s Distinguished Scholar Award in 2008. Dr. Glowienka has helped secure over $1.5 million in external grants, served as the college’s accreditation liaison officer, and remains deeply committed to Carroll’s Catholic, liberal arts mission.
- Bishop Austin Vetter — Bishop of Helena since 2019, Bishop Vetter brings a lifelong dedication to faith-based education, pastoral leadership, and spiritual formation. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Cardinal Muench Seminary and continued his theological studies at the Pontifical North American College and the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Ordained a priest in 1993, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bismarck and Director of Spiritual Formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome (2012–2018). As Bishop of Helena, he has played a key role in stewarding the Diocese’s mission, overseeing strategic planning, parish development, and clergy support, while advancing initiatives that align with the Church’s long-term goals. His work reflects a deep commitment to responsible leadership, mission-driven fundraising, and strengthening Catholic education and community engagement across the region.
Dr. Jennifer Glowienka and Bishop Austin Vetter replaced Dr. John Cech, PhD, who served as president of the college for 7 years, and is now entering retirement.