John Carroll University Names Interim President

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH — John Carroll University has named Jeanne Colleran as interim president of the school. She takes over the role vacated by the retirement of Father Robert Niefhoff, who served as the university's president for 12 years.

Colleran is a John Carroll alum who graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in English. She earned a master's degree from Case Western Reserve University and a doctorate from The Ohio State University.

She served as dean of John Carroll University's College of Arts and Sciences from August 2010 through 2014. She has worked in the school's English Department since 1987. Colleran most recently served as John Carroll’s Provost and Academic Vice President, a position she held since 2014.

Michael J. Merriman, Chair of the Board, noted Colleran’s administrative and academic tenure, saying, “Her extensive knowledge of John Carroll will enable us to strategically advance the university.” He added, “Dr. Colleran has led several key initiatives, including the creation and implementation of the University’s Strategic Plan: Promise and Prominence; the new integrative core curriculum; and the launch of several new academic programs.”

While serving as dean, Colleran created partnerships with the medical and law schools and strengthened the Pre-Health Professions Program advisory committee, which developed the biomedical humanities teaching partnership with the Lerner College of Medicine.

Photo from John Carroll University