Cleveland Magazine: What drew you to John Carroll University?
Carolyn Noll Sorg: I joined John Carroll in 2023 after reflecting on my life post-COVID. Those years were tough. My father was battling cancer, and I had little ones at home—a baby and a preschooler. I worked for the College Board, but with testing centers shut down, financial stress piled up. I came out of that period feeling lost. I kept asking myself, “What’s my purpose? How should I spend my time?” I was yearning for change when I saw the job for vice president of enrollment management at John Carroll. A mentor encouraged me to apply because it’s a Jesuit university, which really resonated with me.
Cleveland Magazine: What does being the first female president of JCU mean to you?
CNS: It feels surreal. I value representation, especially for my daughter. I want her to see women in leadership positions. Since the announcement, many women have reached out, showing their excitement. Women were first admitted to John Carroll just over 50 years ago, and it’s heartwarming to celebrate this milestone with them. While this is a historic moment, it’s about more than symbols; the work ahead is crucial.
Cleveland Magazine: What’s your vision for John Carroll’s future?
CNS: The student experience is my top priority. I want to maximize what we have at John Carroll to create a remarkable experience for students. Research shows that students crave cohesion—connecting their purpose with academic learning and career preparation. That’s why we’re launching a program called “Onward,” inspired by our fight song “Onward On.” This program will focus on team-based advising, personalized plans, experiential learning, and professional development from day one. We aim to equip every student with the skills they need, ensuring no one slips through the cracks.
Historically, the role of women in leadership has evolved significantly. In 1972, the introduction of Title IX opened doors for women in education and beyond. Today, women occupy only about 30% of senior leadership roles in higher education, according to a recent American Council on Education report. This highlights the importance of representation in institutions like John Carroll, where Carolyn’s leadership can inspire the next generation.
Social media has also shown an outpouring of support. Hashtags like #WomenInLeadership have garnered millions of interactions, emphasizing the growing recognition of women breaking barriers. As Carolyn steps into this influential role, her focus on mentorship and student success speaks to a broader trend of prioritizing inclusive leadership in education.
By taking decisive steps like the “Onward” program, John Carroll aims to align with contemporary demands for holistic education, preparing students for real-world challenges ahead.
For more on leadership in education, check out the insights from the American Council on Education’s [latest report](https://www.acenet.edu/).
