NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Walsh University announces the appointment of James “Jim” Monaghan, Ed.D., as its new Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2026, following the retirement of Dr. Michael Dunphy, who will conclude his service as Vice President for Academic Affairs on June 30, 2026. In this role, Monaghan will serve as the University’s chief academic officer and a member of the President’s Cabinet, providing vision and leadership for Walsh’s academic enterprise in support of the University’s Catholic mission and commitment to academic excellence.
As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Monaghan will oversee all curricular and co-curricular academic programs, supervise key academic leaders including deans and academic affairs administrators, guide accreditation and assessment activities, coordinate faculty hiring and development processes, support program review and institutional effectiveness, and help advance academic innovation, student success, and faculty achievement across the University.
The position also includes close collaboration with senior leadership on strategic planning, budgeting, interdisciplinary initiatives, enrollment-supportive program development, and the promotion of Walsh’s Catholic intellectual tradition.
Monaghan brings more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience in Catholic and public university settings, including service as provost at John Paul the Great Catholic University, associate vice president of academic and student affairs at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, associate provost at The Catholic University of America, and assistant vice president at California State University, San Bernardino. Across these roles, he has led accreditation efforts, expanded academic and online programs, strengthened shared governance, supported retention and graduation initiatives, managed academic budgets, and collaborated extensively with faculty, boards, and senior leadership teams.
“Jim Monaghan brings to Walsh University a deep commitment to Catholic higher education, a strong record of academic leadership, and a collaborative vision for the future,” said Walsh University President Tim Collins. “His experience in advancing student success, strengthening academic programs, supporting faculty excellence, and leading mission-centered innovation makes him exceptionally well suited to serve Cav Nation.”
“I am honored to join Walsh University as Vice President for Academic Affairs,” said Monaghan. “Walsh’s Catholic mission, liberal arts foundation, and commitment to forming leaders in service to others resonate deeply with me. I look forward to partnering with President Collins, the Cabinet, faculty, staff, and students to build on Walsh’s strengths, foster academic excellence and innovation, and advance Walsh’s 4.0 strategic plan!”
