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The Jacksonville University Board of Trustees has taken decisive steps to ensure a smooth leadership transition as President Tim Cost prepares to step down in 2026. They have announced Dr. Lisa Sutherland as the interim president, set to take over the helm on July 1, 2026.
This leadership change comes as President Cost, after a commendable 14-year tenure, shifts to the distinguished position of JU chancellor. Dr. Sutherland, who has been an integral part of the university since 2023, is poised to continue the university’s trajectory of growth and innovation.
Dr. Sutherland brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Currently, she is the executive director of the recently established Cost Honors College and serves as the interim dean of the Davis College of Business. Her extensive background in academia, coupled with her executive leadership skills, makes her a fitting choice to steer the university through this period of transition.
Expressing confidence in her leadership, John Miller, the chair of the Jacksonville University Board, stated, “The Board is grateful to have a leader of Dr. Sutherland’s caliber to guide Jacksonville University during this transition. Her unique combination of academic expertise and executive experience, along with her demonstrated success in multiple leadership roles at JU, positions her to provide the steady, strategic leadership our institution needs.”
As the university prepares for this new chapter, the community can look forward to continued excellence under Dr. Sutherland’s capable guidance.
Dr. Sutherland joined JU in 2023, and currently serves as the executive director of the new Cost Honors College and interim dean of the Davis College of Business.
Prior to her time with JU, a JU spokesperson says Sutherland was a faulty member with the University of North Carolina and Dartmouth College. She also has extensive experience in the private sector and corporate strategy. She is the founder of the Sutherland Group, LLC, a global consulting firm that provided strategic leadership to major brands including Walmart, and also served in a senior executive role at the Kellogg Company.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me,” said Dr. Sutherland. “Jacksonville University is a remarkable institution and our strength lies in its students, faculty, and staff — all united by a shared drive to shape the future. Together, we’ll build on our strong foundation, advance our strategic goals, and ensure every student experiences the life-changing education that defines JU.”
The Board of Trustees plans to conduct a national search in spring 2026 to identify a permanent president for the school.
