Donna M. Carroll
President’s Welcome
Welcome to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) — your membership association. It is my privilege to be your president.
The origin of the word association is the Latin verb “associare,” to unite or ally, and that is the purpose of ACCU — to gather, support and promote colleges and universities committed to the mission of Catholic higher education. ACCU looks to strengthen the Catholic identity of its member institutions by offering programming and resources that make our intellectual tradition accessible, relevant, and of distinguishing impact.
The ACCU Annual Meeting each February has the highest member attendance percentage-wise of any national higher education association because our content is mission-specific, and because the networking among colleagues is helpful and healthy. This meeting is only one of many leadership development gatherings sponsored by ACCU to build the capacity and vitality of Catholic higher education.
A membership association is only as strong as the participation of its members, and so, I encourage your active involvement in ACCU. Member value, as a sector, an institution, and as an individual leader, is our first priority.
I am your grateful colleague.
President’s Messages
About Our President
On July 1, 2024, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities welcomed Donna M. Carroll as its new president, having served as the Association’s executive director since September 2023.
Prior to joining ACCU, Dr. Carroll served with distinction as president of Dominican University, IL, from 1994 to 2021. She had also completed a two-year appointment as an Interfaith America Fellow, helping navigate their higher education practice, while simultaneously serving as interim president of North Central College from 2022-2023. She has served as a presidential mentor over the years and is admired for her commitment and dedication to Catholic higher education.
Dr. Carroll is recognized nationally as an outspoken advocate for immigration reform and the rights of undocumented students. She has received numerous academic, civic, and diocesan awards for her justice-oriented leadership.
In 2022, ACCU honored her with the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, CSC Award, for her significant services and contributions to Catholic higher education.