Iris LaffertyCapella University
Dr. Iris Lafferty is a visionary academic executive with a career dedicated to advancing student success, academic quality, and institutional innovation in both traditional and online higher education. She currently serves as Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and CAO at Capella University, where she leads academic strategy, learning innovation, and learner experience for a large scale, online, competency-based institution serving a diverse adult learner population. Dr. Lafferty previously held senior leadership roles at Southern New Hampshire University and the University of Arizona Global Campus, including Senior Vice President, Interim Provost, Senior Vice Provost, Accreditation Liaison Officer, and inaugural Dean of the College of Doctoral Studies and College of Arts and Sciences. Her expertise spans strategic planning, accreditation, assessment, academic operations, student-centered innovation, and faculty engagement. A fourth-generation educator and committed champion of digital access and academic equity, Dr. Lafferty is especially focused on advancing student-centric practices in rapidly evolving educational environments. She brings to board service a collaborative leadership style, cross-sector insight, and a deep understanding of the changing landscape of academic affairs. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and three graduate degrees from Harvard University: an EdM in Counseling, an EdM in Technology in Education, and an EdD in Human Development and Psychology. |
