Most Rev. Austin A. Vetter Bishop | Diocese of Helena

Carroll College has announced that Jennifer Glowienka, Ph.D., will become its 20th president, effective July 1, 2026. She will be the first woman to serve as a fully appointed president in the college’s 116-year history. The decision was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees and supported by representatives from faculty, staff, alumni, students, and community members.

“Dr. Glowienka embodies the values, mission, and future of Carroll College,” said Dr. Joyce Stewart ’79, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “Her deep understanding of higher education, her compassion, and her unwavering commitment to the people of Carroll have been evident throughout her more than twenty years of service. She leads with humility, wisdom, and purpose, and has earned the confidence and respect of the Carroll community.”

Dr. Glowienka is currently serving as Co-President alongside Bishop Austin A. Vetter during an interim period that began in July 2025. Stakeholders across both the college community and diocese expressed support for her leadership as Carroll prepares for its next chapter.

“Dr. Glowienka has a real heart for Carroll College,” said Bishop Austin A. Vetter, Co-President of Carroll College and Bishop of the Diocese of Helena. “She’s wise, sincere, and faith-filled in how she leads. She listens well, brings people together, and always keeps what’s best for Carroll at the center. I truly believe the college’s future is bright with her guiding the way. Dr. Glowienka embodies what St. John Paul II hoped, that ‘Carroll College is meant to be a beacon to the Church in the Northwest.’”

Glowienka joined Carroll in 2003 as an Assistant Professor of Biology before advancing into administrative roles including Chair of Life and Environmental Sciences Department; Assistant Dean; Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs; Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dean; and most recently Interim Co-President.

The co-presidency model between Dr. Glowienka and Bishop Vetter has provided stability during a time of transition at Carroll College. The Board plans to maintain this arrangement until July 2026 when Dr. Glowienka will assume full presidential duties.

“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the 20th President of Carroll College, and I am humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support from the Carroll community. I have dedicated my professional career to this remarkable institution, which prepares ethical leaders who engage the world with purpose and hope. I look forward to strengthening and expanding the ways Carroll fulfills its mission, serving learners across all stages of their educational journey. It has been a privilege to serve alongside Bishop Vetter over the past five months, and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership and shared leadership in the year ahead.”

Dr. Glowienka holds a doctorate in evolutionary botany from University of Colorado at Boulder and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Boise State University. Her achievements include being named James J. Manion Endowed Professor in Biological Sciences (2018) and receiving Carroll’s Distinguished Scholar Award (2008). She has helped secure over $1.5 million in external research grants for academic programs and infrastructure projects.

Founded in 1909,Carroll College is a private Catholic liberal arts institution based in Helena, Montana.