Carroll College has announced that Jennifer Glowienka, Ph.D., will become its 20th president, effective July 1, 2026. This appointment marks the first time a woman will serve as a fully appointed president in the college’s 116-year history. The decision was unanimously approved by the Carroll College Board of Trustees and supported by the Presidential Search Committee, which included representatives from 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.”
Dr. Glowienka is currently serving as Co-President alongside Bishop Austin A. Vetter during an interim period that began in July 2025. Their co-presidency has provided stability during a leadership transition at Carroll College.
“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.’”
Glowienka joined Carroll College in 2003 as an Assistant Professor of Biology before taking on several leadership roles including Chair of Life and Environmental Sciences Department; Assistant Dean of Instruction; Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs; Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dean of the College since 2021.
“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.”
Glowienka holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary botany from University of Colorado at Boulder as well as a B.S. in biology from Boise State University.
She was named James J. Manion Endowed Professor in Biological Sciences in 2018; received Carroll’s Distinguished Scholar Award in 2008; helped secure more than $1.5 million in external research grants; played a role obtaining funding for infrastructure projects; contributed to program start-up costs; strengthened academic offerings; enhanced institutional capacity; served as accreditation liaison officer—all reflecting her commitment to advancing Catholic liberal arts education at Carroll.
Carroll College was founded in 1909 as a private Catholic liberal arts institution located in Helena (Montana). The college emphasizes academic excellence through hands-on learning experiences within its faith-based community setting.
For additional details about Dr. Glowienka or information about Carroll College visit www.carroll.edu.
