Leadership Team

Dr. Thomas Hochstettler is an accomplished academic leader and the President of Acacia University. With over 30 years of leadership experience at renowned institutions such as The Petroleum Institute, American University Sharjah, and Lewis & Clark College, Dr. Hochstettler brings a wealth of expertise to our university. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation in global higher education are central to Acacia's mission to provide high-quality, interactive, and accessible learning experiences. Under his leadership, Acacia University continues to thrive as a dynamic institution dedicated to student success.

Meet Dr. Cynthia, a dynamic, innovative professional with 40+ years of experience in education. She is committed to excellence and excels in instructional leaderships, program design, and professional development. Currently serving as the Provost, Dr. Cynthia's expertise spans administrative and teaching roles, contributing to educational standards  and accountability.

Introducing Dr. Bahrullah Safi, a proactive expert and visionary leader with extensive experience in spearheading growth of institutions. Dr. Safi is a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. As the Chief Strategy Officer at Acacia University, Dr. Safi is dedicated to guiding the institution's strategic direction and ensuring alignment with its long-term goals. 

Dr. Lisa Oliphant stands out as a visionary problem solver and a catalyst for transformation in the field of education. With over two decades of experience across various levels of school systems, she brings a unique blend of expertise to her role. Currently as the Dean of Education, Dr. Lisa spearheads collaborative efforts to develop and evaluate academic programs.

Dr. Robert is an enthusiastic, energetic leader and is a well-rounded scholar with research interests in micro-lending companies, social entrepreneurship, finance, banking, accounting, managing people, education, fintech, sustainability, and training. As the Dean of Business at Acacia University, Dr. Robert brings a wealth of practical experience and academic expertise, guiding the development of innovative business programs and fostering a learning environment that emphasizes real-world application and sustainability.

An accomplished Registrar and Learning Management System Administrator at Acacia University, where she has been a dedicated member of the team since 2001. Known for her efficiency, reliability, and strong organizational skills, Ronda plays a key role in managing student admissions, records, and registration processes. Additionally, she administers the university’s learning management system, ensuring smooth course delivery, ongoing maintenance, and technological support for students and faculty. Ronda’s expertise contributes to the overall success and growth of Acacia University.