The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) has announced the appointment of Amy C. Novak, EdD, as chair of the ACCU Board of Directors. Dr. Novak currently serves as president and CEO of St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University.
Dr. Novak’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Catholic higher education, as institutions across the country navigate demographic shifts, financial pressures, and rapidly changing workforce demands while remaining rooted in mission and identity. As chair, Dr. Novak will work closely with ACCU leadership and member presidents to advance collaboration, strengthen advocacy, and elevate the distinctive contribution of Catholic higher education to the Church and society.
“It is an honor to serve as chair of the ACCU,” Dr. Novak said. “Catholic colleges and universities play a vital role in forming students for lives of purpose, leadership, and service. At this moment in higher education, our call is to be both deeply rooted in our faith tradition and boldly responsive to the needs of today’s students and communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to help steward this important work alongside dedicated colleagues from across the country.”
Dr. Novak has been a national leader in mission-centered innovation, collaborative governance, and strategic partnerships in Catholic higher education. Under her leadership, St. Ambrose University has pursued bold academic and organizational initiatives focused on student success, access, and long-term sustainability, while honoring the Catholic intellectual tradition. Her work to launch the Nano Nagle Online Nursing Program which honors the legacy of the Presentation Sisters, as well as her current efforts to integrate Mount Mercy University under a parent-company model of St. Ambrose University has been recognized as a thoughtful, values-driven approach to preserving institutional identity while strengthening shared capacity.
“Dr. Novak brings a rare combination of strategic insight, deep commitment to Catholic mission, and collaborative leadership,” said ACCU President and Executive Director, Donna Carroll. “Her experience and vision will be invaluable as the ACCU continues to support its member institutions during a time of significant challenge and opportunity.”
“Dr. Amy Novak’s appointment as chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities is a testament to her faithful leadership, deep commitment to Catholic higher education, and her ability to bring people together around mission and purpose,” said the Most Rev. Dennis Walsh, bishop of the Diocese of Davenport and co-chair of the St. Ambrose University Board of Trustees. “She understands that Catholic universities are not only places of academic excellence, but communities called to form students in wisdom, service, and love of neighbor. I am grateful for her leadership on behalf of the Church and confident she will serve the national Catholic higher education community with clarity, courage, and grace.”
As chair, Dr. Novak will help guide the ACCU’s efforts in leadership formation, with particular focus on strengthening institutional vitality, advancing Catholic identity, and fostering collaboration among Catholic colleges and universities nationwide.
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities represents more than 200 Catholic institutions of higher education in the United States and across the world, collectively educating about 700,000 students each year. The ACCU works to advance the mission of Catholic higher education through leadership development, convenings, and opportunities for collaboration rooted in faith, excellence, and service.
For more information, visit sau.edu or mtmercy.edu.
