Executive Leadership
Cabinet
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Ennis McCrery
Executive Director for Administration and Chief of Staff
In her role as Executive Director for Administration and Chief of Staff, Ennis McCrery plays a key role in coordinating the activities of the President’s Office and Cabinet, serving as a liaison to the Board of Trustees, and working with the President on strategic initiatives. A self-described college dropout who later completed her undergraduate degree as a married mother of two, McCrery is passionate about helping all students be successful, no matter what stage of life. McCrery earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, both from Virginia Tech, where she worked for nearly 20 years before coming to Roanoke College in 2022.
Clifton Strengths:
Adaptability
Empathy
Positivity
Woo
Connectedness -
Curtis Campbell
Director of Athletics
In his role as Director of Athletics, Curtis Campbell provides strategic, student-centered leadership for Roanoke College’s comprehensive NCAA Division III athletics program, working closely with faculty, staff, and senior leaders to ensure student-athletes have a holistic educational experience and collaborating with campus partners to champion school spirit. An Army veteran who returned to college as an adult, where he lived on campus among traditionally aged students, Campbell is motivated to help prepare students for successful, fulfilling, and responsible lives after college. Campbell earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Longwood University and a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University. Prior to coming to Roanoke College in 2023, Campbell was Athletic Director at multiple institutions, serving most recently at Morehouse College.
Clifton Strengths:
Harmony
Consistency
Deliberative
Relator
Analytical -
John "Jay" Ellison
Vice President for Student Success and The Roanoke Experience
In his role as Vice President for Student Success and The Roanoke Experience, Jay Ellison fosters partnerships with faculty, staff, students, and senior leaders to design experiences, environments, and support services that promote holistic learning and development, well-being, belonging, and success across the arc of the student experience. Ellison believes that Roanoke College is on the move, and he is motivated by the opportunities to transform the student experience and contribute to an innovative, dynamic, and future-focused vision for the College. Ellison earned a Bachelor of Arts in Bible with a minor in Biblical Languages from Southeastern College (now Southeastern University), a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School in Scripture and Interpretation, and Master of Arts and PhD from Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, both in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. Prior to joining Roanoke College in 2024, Ellison served as Dean of Students at the University of Chicago.
Clifton Strengths:
Positivity
Developer
Arranger
Learner
Restorative -
Rita Farlow
Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Communications and Enrollment Management
In her role as Vice President for Strategic Marketing, Communications and Enrollment Management, Rita Farlow works closely with the President, other Cabinet members, and her team to develop and implement marketing and recruitment strategies to elevate the College’s excellent reputation and attract diverse and accomplished students to become future Maroons. As the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, Farlow is driven by her desire to see all students pursue their passion and find meaning through higher education. Farlow earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts in Mass Communications from University of South Florida St. Petersburg. She started her career as a print journalist at the Tampa Bay Times and came to Roanoke College in 2024 from St. Petersburg (FL) College, where she served as the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Communications.
Clifton Strengths:
Ideation
Woo
Strategic
Learner
Developer -
David Mowen
Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer
In his role as Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer, David Mowen provides strategic leadership across critical operational areas, working closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leaders to steward the College’s resources, champion institutional efficiency, and advance Roanoke College’s mission and long-term success. Passionate about the value and impact of small private colleges, Mowen believes that Roanoke College matters not only for our students but also for the world. Mowen earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Virginia Tech, a Master of Business Administration from James Madison University, and a number of advanced certifications from other prominent institutions. Prior to joining Roanoke in 2018, he held a wide range of progressive roles at both public and private corporations, ultimately leading to senior leadership roles in higher education.
Clifton Strengths:
Futuristic
Maximizer
Belief
Self-Assurance
Strategic -
Catherine Potter
Advisor to the President and General Counsel
In her role as Advisor to the President and General Counsel, Catherine Potter serves as a trusted advisor to the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leaders to advance College initiatives and strategic priorities, provide guidance on real estate, contracts, and agreements; and promote sound policies, practices, and compliance. Believing strongly in the pivotal role small, private colleges serve for students and local communities, Potter is inspired by the many possibilities for Roanoke College’s future within a changing higher-education landscape. Potter earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Economics and Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs from Miami University (Ohio), a Juris Doctor from University of Virginia School of Law, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. She joined Roanoke College in June of 2023 after serving as general counsel for the Virginia Tech Foundation and other organizations.
Clifton Strengths:
Learner
Arranger
Responsibility
Relator
Input -
Nate Stewart
Vice President for Advancement
In his role as Vice President for Advancement, Nate Stewart champions Roanoke College’s mission, working closely with the President, the Board of Trustees, and senior leaders to advance strategic priorities, build a culture of philanthropy, broaden the college's donor community and partnerships, grow alumni and family engagement, lead capital campaigns, and secure major gifts. A 2003 graduate of Roanoke College and former student-athlete, Stewart is driven to give back to the place that helped shape him and to pay it forward for future Maroons. Stewart earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance from Roanoke College and a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education from Marshall University. He returned to Roanoke College in 2024 after serving in Advancement at Centre College and spending much of his career as a college basketball coach and athletic director.
Clifton Strengths:
Responsibility
Developer
Positivity
Woo
Communication -
Kathy Wolfe
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Shirley C. and Donald E. Morel Dean of the College
In her role as Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Shirley C. and Donald E. Morel Dean of the College, Kathy Wolfe serves as the chief academic officer for the College, working closely with the President, Board of Trustees, faculty, and senior leaders to cultivate an exceptional learning experience for students, foster a dynamic and creative academic community, and drive strategic initiatives that enhance academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impact. A first-generation college student, Wolfe is inspired to lead the College through thoughtful change while maintaining a firm commitment to a high-quality, affordable, and accessible liberal arts education for current and future students. Wolfe earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. in English (Rhetoric/Composition) from Texas Christian University. Joining Roanoke College in 2022, Wolfe brings 34 years of teaching experience and 15 years of administrative leadership, most recently serving as Dean of Engaged Education at Hamilton College.
Clifton Strengths:
Learner
Input
Intellection
Relator
Strategic