Donna M. Carroll, Ed.D.
President, Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
President Emerita, Dominican University
Provided the "Presentation of the President and Greetings on Behalf of Institutions of Higher Learning" at the inauguration of Carroll College's 20th president, Dr. Jennifer Glowienka
Donna Carroll’s career began in student affairs — a young professional with an appetite for responsibility. Several moves and promotions later, including appointments as an academic dean and a chief advancement officer, Dr. Carroll returned to her home city of New York to work at Fordham University. In 1994, she became the 10th president of Dominican University in Illinois, the institution’s first lay leader and one of the youngest presidents in the country.
Dr. Carroll describes her current position as President of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) as an “unexpected blessing.” After 28 years as a president, including a year as interim president of North Central College, Dr. Carroll has the opportunity to help advance Catholic higher education at a national level and mentor a new generation of lay presidents.
Donna Carroll’s leadership legacy is punctuated by multiple accomplishments, strategic and financial, including the successful name change of Rosary College to Dominican University. However, it is her outspoken advocacy for the rights of undocumented and marginalized students that has defined her career and brought her national recognition. Dr. Carroll received the Strangers No Longer Award from the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Moral Courage Award from Faith in Public Life, and the Dominican Veritas Award, among others. In 2022, ACCU honored her with the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC Award for outstanding contributions to Catholic higher education.
Throughout her career, Dr. Carroll has balanced institutional responsibilities with active civic, association, and educational leadership. She has served on the boards of Interfaith America, Chicago Catholic Schools, Fordham and Scranton Universities, The HistoryMakers, Abraham Lincoln Library, to name just a few, as well many regional and national higher education association boards. She is currently a trustee of Dominican Veritas Ministries, the sponsoring board for Dominican elementary and secondary education.
Dr. Carroll received her bachelor’s degree in English from Wellesley College and her master and doctoral degrees in higher education administration and counseling from the University of Cincinnati. She has received honorary degrees from Edgewood College, Fordham University, Albertus Magnus College, and Scranton University.
