University Leadership

Allan Gozum, EdD

Vice Chancellor & CFO, Antioch University & Treasurer, Coalition for the Common Good

Allan Gozum, EdD, joined Antioch University in January 2016 and is the Vice Chancellor, CFO, and Treasurer of Antioch University and the Coalition for the Common Good. He oversees financial operations, budget and planning, information technology, facilities planning, and financial management and analysis for the affiliation.

Prior to Antioch, Gozum was employed at Benedictine University based in Lisle, Illinois for 15 years and served as vice president of finance and chief financial officer. Earlier in his career, he held supervisory positions at companies that included KPMG, Trans Union, and Deloitte.

Gozum is a registered CPA in Illinois and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University, an MBA with concentrations in finance and economics from the University of Chicago, and an EdD in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

Chet Haskell, DPA

Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs & University Provost,Antioch University & Vice President for Graduate Programs,Coalition for the Common Good

Chester (Chet) Haskell, DPA, has served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and University Provost since August 2018. He reports directly to the Chancellor and serves on the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Haskell chairs the Deans Council, the University’s senior academic leaders, and the Faculty Co-Chairs of the University Academic Council. The Deans Council facilitates management, accountability, and communication among the academic affairs department and the faculty.

Chet Haskell has had extensive experience in university leadership in the United States, having served in senior positions over 13 years at Harvard University, including as executive director of the Center for International Affairs, special assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, associate dean of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and as founding executive director of the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies. He later served as Dean of the College at Simmons College (Boston) and was president for more than a decade at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (California) and at Cogswell Polytechnical College (Silicon Valley). He was a member of the Board of Governors of Al Ghurair University in Dubai. Finally, Dr. Haskell has lengthy experience in academic accreditation matters, including with the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission and with accreditation bodies in Spain and Mexico.

Chet earned DPA and MPA degrees at the University of Southern California, as well as an MA from the University of Virginia and an AB from Harvard University.

Mary Granger, JD

University Counsel, Antioch University & Chief Legal Officer, Coalition for the Common Good

Mary Granger, JD, serves as University Counsel for Antioch University and reports directly to the Chancellor. In this role, she oversees the Office of General Counsel, managing the legal affairs of the University and providing legal advice to Antioch’s leadership, its academic Schools, and campuses. The goal of the Office of General Counsel is to promote a culture of respect, diversity, inclusion, and legal compliance throughout the University in furtherance of Antioch’s mission and values.

Mary began her career at Antioch’s Office of General Counsel in 2015, serving previously as Attorney, Assistant University Counsel, and Associate University Counsel. Mary is a graduate of the University of Maine School of Law.

Craig Maslowsky, EdD

Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

Craig Maslowsky, EdD, is a dedicated leader in higher education marketing and enrollment strategy, currently serving as Vice Chancellor of Antioch University. Craig brings a broad background in advancing student-centered enrollment practices, with a focus on fostering inclusive and accessible pathways to higher education.

Before joining Antioch, Craig served as Vice President for EXPLORE Student Pathfinder solutions at DIGARC, following the acquisition of new|ed, a marketing and student engagement platform he founded in 2015. His career spans leadership roles in enrollment and marketing at Excelsior University, Lesley University, and the University of Phoenix, where he developed initiatives to support diverse learner populations.

Craig’s expertise includes designing strategies to enhance student experiences, from inquiry to enrollment, with an emphasis on aligning institutional missions with student needs. His work focuses on optimizing student services, leveraging digital engagement, and integrating technology to create a seamless and supportive exploration process for prospective students.

Craig earned his BS in Business Administration from SUNY Geneseo, an MBA from Clarkson University, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. His commitment to educational equity and lifelong learning continues to guide his work at Antioch University.

Maria-Judith Rodriguez Herrera, MA/MBA

Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

Maria-Judith, MBA serves as the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at Antioch University. In this role, she oversees all aspects of the HR function and sets the strategic direction and efforts in alignment with the institution’s mission and growth directions.

Prior to Antioch, she served as Chief HR Officer and Title IX deputy Coordinator at Amherst College for a decade and earlier headed HR at the Puerto Rico-based Arecibo Observatory, a research center managed by Cornell University. She has a diverse professional background, which includes experiences within a variety of industries including education, consulting, pharmaceutical and manufacturing. She holds her MA in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico and her MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix.

Maria-Judith reports directly to the Chancellor and serves on the Chancellor’s Executive Team. She believes HR plays a critical strategic role in key areas of institutional success by fostering individual and organizational development, leading strategic efforts, and nurturing a work culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. She also believes in the importance of being an active citizen through community work, both professionally and personally.

Josh Jacobs, EdD

Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement

With a track record of innovation, strategic thinking, and effective team leadership, Josh Jacobs, EdD, is passionate about driving positive change in organizations and making meaningful contributions to the communities he serves.

He is a fixer, fueled by curiosity, who wants to help groups achieve ambitious goals that benefit humanity.

He is drawn to leaders and organizations like Antioch University that pursue high-impact change to better the lives of people. 

Stephanie Helms Pickett, EdD

Vice Chancellor Equity, Belonging & Culture

Stephanie Helms Pickett (she/her), EdD, joined Antioch University in January 2024 as the inaugural Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. She reports directly to the Chancellor and serves on the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Stephanie has extensive experience in higher education administration, working at private, public, single-sex, predominantly White, and historically Black institutions of higher education, in residence life, commuter life, multicultural affairs, orientation, leadership, international student affairs, disability services, and academic support services. She’s served as the Associate Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Strategi Practice at North Carolina State University and as the Director of Assessment and Professional Development, as well as the Director of the Women’s Center at Duke University. Dr. Helms Pickett is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership and Higher Education Policy in the College of Education at NC State University and an Adjunct Professor in the Duke University Divinity School.

Her research interests are in the areas of higher education policy, women’s engagement, cultural competency, faith, and leadership. She is a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory and uses it in her practice to assist others in developing an intercultural mindset. She presently serves as a member of the BRIDGES Advisory Board, a leadership program advancing women in higher education.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio & Television Broadcasting from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; and a Master’s and Doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University.

Laurien Alexandre, PhD

Dean Emerit & University Director of Internal Communication, Antioch University & Senior Advisor to the Chancellor

Laurien Alexandre, PhD., Dean Emerit, has served as University Director of Internal Communication (since 2024) and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor (since 2012). 

During her over 33 years at Antioch University, Laurien was initially hired as the Academic Dean of the two California campuses (1991-1999). She is the founding Director of the PhD in Leadership & Change (1999-2023) and then the founding Provost and Dean of the Graduate School of Leadership and Change (2015-2023). During these years, she also served as University Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (2006-2013). 

Prior to coming to Antioch University, Laurien worked at Immaculate Heart College Center, an ecumenical institute devoted to research and training on peace, justice, and global concerns, where she directed teacher training programs (K-16)  on international and multicultural classrooms. Dr. Alexandre also taught for over 10 years at California State University, Northridge, in the Department of Mass Communications/Journalism, where her focus was on graduate courses in media analysis.

Laurien has traveled extensively in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Her scholarship, including books, articles, speeches, and presentations, has focused on media studies, international politics and gender studies, higher education experimentation and graduate studies, and most recently, the role of education in strengthening democracy. She is also a professional translator, from Spanish to English.

Lemuel W. Watson, EdD

Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Vice Provost for Community Engagement, Antioch University & Coalition for Common Good

Lemuel Watson, EdD has been deeply engaged with the community as a personal and professional advocate through numerous arts, community, educational, and professional boards. He commits to leaving the world better than how he has found it. He genuinely loves those he meets and is curious to get to know them authentically. He moves about the world as an educator, advocate, leader, new thought minister, poet, and collaborator with various individuals and groups. He believes there is no separating life into compartments but that each day and all experiences help one to become fully awake. Watson is also a Distinguished Professor and Dean Emeritus and Founding Executive Director of the Center for Innovation in Higher Education at the University of South Carolina and the former founding Executive Director of the Center for P-20 Engagement and Dean of the College of Education at Northern Illinois University as well as former Associate Vice President and Interim Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, Dean of the School of Education at Indiana University Bloomington. He is the former host of Indiana University’s podcast On Illuminating: truth and Light, the South Carolina Educational Television series, Carolina Classrooms, and Fulbright Scholar to Belarus. He earned a BS in Business from the Moore School of Business at USC, an MA from Ball State University, his doctorate in higher education and policy from Indiana University at Bloomington, and a doctorate in spiritual studies at Emerson Theological Institute.

He has written books, monographs, and articles related to research on leadership, contemplative practices, underrepresented populations, LGBTQ+, public policy, and human development. He has obtained over $14 million in research funding from various organizations as a researcher. A seasoned leader whose career spans various industries, including educational, nonprofit organizations, private, and entrepreneurship/small businesses. He has worked as a global consultant on leadership, public policy, and talent management issues. As a certified mindfulness teacher by Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute and as a certified mindfulness organizational strategist by the Institute for Organizational Science and Mindfulness, he currently focuses on mindful leadership and talent management to enhance work and learning environments. Residing at the intersection of leadership and mindfulness as a researcher and practitioner, Lemuel creates spaces for silence, awareness, and self-inquiry to help individuals align their strengths and intentions to guide and lead. Through his integrative approach, he shares transformative, dedicated, and integrated tools for self-renewal, personal discovery, and capacity-building that ease clients on their journey toward peace, clarity, and freedom. He commits to leaving the world better than how he has found it.

Karen Crist, EdD

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success

Karen Crist, EdD is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success. In this role, Karen serves as the university’s Chief Retention Officer and Chief Student Services Officer and is responsible for assuring the quality and sufficiency of university academic and student support services. Specifically, this position is responsible for ensuring the highest quality, university-wide student success services, including but not limited to disability support services, writing support, career planning, and Veteran and military-connected student services.

Having over two decades of administrative experience in higher education, Karen helped launch the earliest asynchronous online learning model at Antioch University. She has held various roles in program administration, enrollment management, disability support services, career planning, prior learning assessment, student conduct, Title IX, and reaffirmation of accreditation. She co-chairs the Student Success Symposium Planning Committee, the Retention Huddle, and the Criterion Three Subcommittee of the HLC Comprehensive Review. Karen is a member of the HLC Steering Committee, Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Advisory Committee, and the University Strategic Planning Steering Committee.

Karen’s priority is leading initiatives for student success at the university level in collaboration with student services areas, faculty, deans, and academic affairs, focusing on team-building, cross-functional collaborations, culture, and climate, and raising the visibility of student success staff university-wide.

Before coming to Antioch University, Karen was a human resources manager for a prominent Silicon Valley corporate law firm and an organizational development manager focusing on work redesign and significant change efforts for a Fortune 300 corporation.
Karen received her BA in Human Development and Social Relations from Earlham College, MA in Management, and EdD in Educational and Professional Practice from Antioch University, focusing on Social Justice Leadership.

Zephyr L. Ethier, EdD

Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

Zephyr L. Ethier, EdD, is an accomplished leader in higher education recognized for creating human-centered, high-impact organizational systems that drive exceptional outcomes. As Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management at Antioch University, Zephyr’s expertise in strategic planning, project management, and leadership development underpins her efforts to foster transformative growth and resilience across the university. Her approach is guided by a deep commitment to emotional intelligence and generative conversations, reflected in her certifications in Emotional Intelligence and Conversations Worth Having, which enhance her ability to cultivate positive, empathetic communication and strong team dynamics.

Zephyr co-chairs the AU AI Task Force, chairs the EM AI Ethics Advisory Committee, and is an active member of the Data Governance Steering Committee. Through these roles, she collaborates extensively with colleagues across the institution on data and operational initiatives aimed at enhancing service to students, university staff, faculty, and the broader AU mission. Her commitment to ethical and effective AI integration informs her strategic guidance, aligning technological advancements with Antioch’s mission of social justice and inclusivity.

With a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and an MBA in Project Management from Marlboro College, Zephyr combines rigorous academic preparation with practical experience to drive collaborative success. She has developed training programs that integrate emotional intelligence and appreciative inquiry, fostering both professional and personal growth within her teams. Her publications and presentations reflect her commitment to sustainable change through empowering individuals to lead positive transformation.

Zephyr’s strategic initiatives at Antioch support proactive enrollment management, AI integration, and leadership development, championing environments where team members feel inspired, valued, and empowered to reach their potential.

Michelle Koppitz

Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives & Extension Sites

Michelle Koppitz is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives and Extension Sites. In this role, she oversees multi-campus and multi-modality strategic initiatives that expand Antioch University program delivery to include off-campus partnerships and extension sites.

Koppitz reports to the Vice Chancellor for Finance, but also works in strategic alignment with the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Chet Haskell, Terry Ratcliff, the Deans and several program chairs to continue to develop partnership relations strategically aligned with the Institution’s academic vision and capable of expanding Antioch’s reach. She began her career in 1993 with the Institute for Professional Development. She then served Benedictine University’s nontraditional programs beginning in 1999, most recently as the Vice President for the School of Graduate, Adult and Professional Education since 2013 and oversaw a division of approximately 2800 students. Her responsibilities included strategic oversight of Enrollment Management, Online Initiatives, Strategic Partnership Initiatives and Marketing, Academic Development and Redesign, Adjunct Faculty Training and Management and Nontraditional Operations units.

Michelle has a graduate degree in Organizational Leadership from Olivet University and an undergraduate degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University.

Barbara Lipinski, JD, PhD

Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for Academic Personnel

Barbara Lipinski, PhD, JD, oversees all aspects of faculty appointments and academic personnel policy. She will be instrumental in helping deans and chairs in faculty searches, assessments, and contracts, and she works closely with Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Maria-Judith Rodriguez, to ensure consistency and equity.

Barbara served as Provost and CEO of Antioch University Santa Barbara for more than 9 years. She earned her PhD from the University of Southern California, her Jurist Doctorate from the Southern California Institute of Law, her MA from the University of California, and her BSW from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois. She is dedicated to advancing social justice and committed to providing access to education for all.

Her extensive higher education experience includes work at California Lutheran University and Pacifica Graduate Institute. Barbara’s interests bridge the areas of law and psychology, specifically forensic psychology, police psychology, therapeutic jurisprudence, restorative justice, and conflict resolution.

Barbara is a clinical member of the American Psychological Association (APA), life fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFE), lifetime clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), diplomate and board-certified forensic examiner with the American Board of Forensic Examiners, and associate member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). She served as an expert forensic witness for the California Attorney General’s Office from 1991-2012, was a founding board member of the Restorative Justice Neighborhood Initiative, and volunteered as an arbitrator for twenty years. She is also a Licensed Psychologist.