Home » Sullivan University appoints long time faculty member to senior vice president

Sullivan University appoints long time faculty member to senior vice president

Chris Ernst
Chris Ernst

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2018) — Chris Ernst, an experienced administrator who has spent his entire professional career in the Sullivan University System, has been appointed senior vice president of Sullivan University.

In his newly-announced role Ernst — a Louisville native and Sullivan University graduate who most recently held the title of executive director of the Sullivan College of Technology and Design — will have responsibilities relating to the overall administrative operation of the university with particular emphasis on the Sullivan University Main Campus.

“Chris Ernst’s long and dedicated career to the Sullivan University System has been a productive and successful one,” said President and CEO of Sullivan University Dr. Jay D. Marr. “We look forward to having Chris assume this progressively more responsible role.”

Earning his Master of Business Administration from Sullivan University in 2003, Ernst graduated suma cum laude with the President’s Cup. He was inducted as a member of Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society for students in business, management, and administration. He also received his bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in management from Sullivan University.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be more involved in the overall operation of Sullivan University,” Ernst said. “It is my goal to enhance the students’ overall experience while they work to obtain their career goals.  It’s great to part of a University that is student focused and is committed to student success.”

Ernst first came to Sullivan University in August of 1994 as a part-time employee for the grounds crew. A year later he was promoted to a facility support position. During this time, he also assumed a secondary role as a resident advisor.

Throughout the next decade Ernst served as assistant dean of students, associate dean of students, vice president of Student Services, and the director of the Evening Division for Sullivan University’s Main Campus.

Five years ago, Ernst became the executive director of the Sullivan College of Technology and Design, where he has launched many new programs, facility and equipment improvements, and successful reaffirmations of institutional and programmatic accreditations.