Walsh University names James Monaghan vice president for academic affairs

Walsh University has appointed James “Jim” Monaghan, Ed.D., as its new vice president for academic affairs, effective July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Michael Dunphy, who will conclude his service June 30.

In the role, Monaghan will serve as the university’s chief academic officer and a member of the president’s cabinet, providing leadership for Walsh’s academic programs in support of the university’s Catholic mission and commitment to academic excellence.

Monaghan will oversee curricular and co-curricular academic programs, supervise academic leaders and deans, guide accreditation and assessment activities, coordinate faculty hiring and development, support program review and institutional effectiveness, and help advance academic innovation and student success.

He also will work closely with university leadership on strategic planning, budgeting, interdisciplinary initiatives, enrollment-supportive program development and promotion of Walsh’s Catholic intellectual tradition.

Monaghan brings more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience in Catholic and public university settings. His previous positions include 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.

Throughout his career, Monaghan has led accreditation efforts, expanded academic and online programs, strengthened shared governance, supported retention and graduation initiatives, managed academic budgets and collaborated 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,” Walsh University President Tim Collins said. “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,” Monaghan said. “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.”