First Woman Appointed to the Presidency in the College’s 116-Year History
HELENA, MT - Carroll College is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer Glowienka, Ph.D., as its 20th president, effective July 1, 2026. This historic decision makes her the first woman to hold a fully appointed presidential role in the college’s 116-year history. The selection received unanimous approval from the Carroll College Board of Trustees along with broad support from the Presidential Search Committee representing trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and community members.
“Dr. Glowienka embodies the values, mission, and future of Carroll College,” said Dr. Joyce Stewart ’79, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “Her deep understanding of higher education, her compassion, and her unwavering commitment to the people of Carroll have been evident throughout her more than twenty years of service. She leads with humility, wisdom, and purpose, and has earned the confidence and respect of the Carroll community.”
As Co-President, Dr. Glowienka has demonstrated strong, forward-looking leadership and a clear readiness to guide Carroll into its next chapter. Key stakeholders across the college community and diocese agreed that she is the right person to carry forward the Board’s renewed vision for Carroll. She understands the community, its mission, and its potential, and is well prepared for this pivotal moment in the college’s history.
“Dr. Glowienka has a real heart for Carroll College,” said Bishop Austin A. Vetter, Co-President of Carroll College and Bishop of the Diocese of Helena. “She’s wise, sincere, and faith-filled in how she leads. She listens well, brings people together, and always keeps what’s best for Carroll at the center. I truly believe the college’s future is bright with her guiding the way. Dr. Glowienka embodies what St. John Paul II hoped, that ‘Carroll College is meant to be a beacon to the Church in the Northwest.’”
Dr. Glowienka first joined the Carroll faculty in 2003 as an Assistant Professor of Biology and quickly emerged as a respected campus leader. She went on to serve as Chair of the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Assistant Dean of Instruction, and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs before being appointed Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College in 2021. In July 2025, she stepped into the role of Interim Co-President with Bishop Vetter, guiding the college with steady leadership during a time of transition.
During this interim year, the co-presidency model between Dr. Glowienka and Bishop Vetter has provided stability and focus while emphasizing shared leadership and mission-driven stewardship. The Board of Trustees remains committed to honoring that model through July 2026, when Dr. Glowienka will assume the full presidency.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the 20th President of Carroll College, and I am humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support from the Carroll community. I have dedicated my professional career to this remarkable institution, which prepares ethical leaders who engage the world with purpose and hope. I look forward to strengthening and expanding the ways Carroll fulfills its mission, serving learners across all stages of their educational journey. It has been a privilege to serve alongside Bishop Vetter over the past five months, and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership and shared leadership in the year ahead.”
Known for her thoughtful approach, data-informed decision-making, and passion for student success, Dr. Glowienka is well positioned to continue advancing Carroll’s academic excellence. She brings a proven record of developing innovative graduate and professional programs, strengthening partnerships across Montana, and further deepening Carroll’s connections with the local and regional community.
Dr. Glowienka holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary botany from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a B.S. in biology from Boise State University. She was named the James J. Manion Endowed Professor in the Biological Sciences in 2018 and received Carroll’s Distinguished Scholar Award in 2008. Over her career, she has helped secure more than $1.5 million in external research grants and has played a key role in obtaining funding for infrastructure projects and programmatic start-up costs, strengthening Carroll’s academic offerings and long-term institutional capacity. Her service as Carroll’s accreditation liaison officer further reflects her deep commitment to advancing the college’s Catholic, liberal arts mission.
Founded in 1909, Carroll College is a private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Helena, Montana. Guided by its motto, Non scholae sed vitae, “Not for school, but for life,” Carroll is recognized for academic excellence, hands-on learning, and a strong sense of community rooted in faith and service.
For more information, visit www.carroll.edu.