Briar Cliff University Announces Interim President

April 12, 2022

Briar Cliff University Board of Trustees announces Patrick Jacobson-Schulte, D.B.A., (A.B.D.) as Interim President, effective July 1, 2022. Effective immediately, Jacobson-Schulte has been promoted to Executive Vice President to learn from and collaborate with Dr. Rachelle Keck, President, prior to her departure, following her nomination, recruitment, and acceptance as Grand View University’s next President.

“Briar Cliff’s Board of Trustees is passionate about the continued success and momentum of the university. This dedication is unwavering, as we are confident in the future of Briar Cliff University,” says Mark Ward, Briar Cliff Board Chair and 2002 alumnus. “The Board has been preparing for interim leadership and a presidential search, and we are grateful to Patrick for his continued leadership and guidance for this special place.”

Originally from Lakeville, MN, Jacobson-Schulte has diverse experience in finance and administration within educational institutions. Most recently, he served as Briar Cliff’s Vice President of Finance and Chief Information Officer, the Executive Director of Finance & Operations for Northeast Metro Intermediate School District 916, Vice President Chief Financial Officer at Dakota County Technical College/Inver Hills Community College, Vice President for Finance & Treasurer at The Sage Colleges, and served as Adjunct Faculty for nine years.

Jacobson-Schulte received his Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Economics; Master of Business Administration; and will be defending his dissertation for a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Saint Mary’s University this April. 

“Since joining Briar Cliff in June of 2021 as Vice President of Finance, Patrick has shown his dedication and passion for the university to thrive. He has strengthened the university’s finances, strategized departmental excellence, projected financial growth opportunities, and enhanced operations,” adds Ward. “His financial acumen, strategic approach, and higher education knowledge has served the university well and will meet our presidential needs in the interim. As a practicing Catholic, Patrick embodies our Franciscan values with a mission to serve and inspire ethical world changers.”

Beginning Fall of 2022, Briar Cliff’s Board of Trustees will launch a presidential search, with the objective to name the university’s 12th president by July of 2023.