DAVENPORT and CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (June 2, 2026) — St Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University have announced the appointment of Nicole J Sakraida MEd as Vice President for Strategic Growth, Marketing and Communications. In this role, Sakraida will provide senior leadership for strategic enrollment, marketing, communications, student recruitment, and institutional growth across St Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University.
Sakraida brings more than twenty years of experience in higher education leadership, with a strong record of advancing strategic enrollment management, student success, institutional growth, and mission-centered change. She currently serves as Dean of Enrollment Management at Rogue Community College in Southern Oregon, where she has led an integrated portfolio including admissions, recruitment, advising, financial aid, registrar services, TRiO programs, and K–12 partnerships.
During her tenure at Rogue Community College, Sakraida helped implement a coordinated strategic enrollment framework supported by data analysis, institutional partnerships, and redesigned student service models. Over four fall terms, the college experienced significant enrollment growth, improved retention, and increased student credit completion, positioning Rogue as one of Oregon’s leading community colleges in enrollment and student success.
“Nicole brings exactly the kind of integrated, data-informed, and mission-centered leadership needed for this next chapter,” said Dr Amy Novak, president and CEO of St Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University.
“Her experience connects enrollment growth, learning success, marketing, communications, and academic alignment in ways that are essential for higher education today. Just as importantly, Nicole understands the distinctive value of Catholic higher education: forming learners for meaningful lives, ethical leadership, and service to the common good. We are excited to welcome her to St Ambrose and Mount Mercy as we continue building a stronger, more learner-centered future.”
Sakraida’s background includes leadership in enrollment management, recruitment, student success, academic program development, communications strategy, and partnership development. She has provided executive leadership through institutional transformation, including enrollment systems redesign, student onboarding improvements, CRM communication strategies, Power BI dashboard development, and ERP/SIS implementation. She is also bilingual in English and Spanish and has been recognized for her work in innovation, leadership, and strategic enrollment management.
Her career has included service at Rogue Community College, Gonzaga University, Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, and Catholic Relief Services. Sakraida earned her Bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and her Master’s degree in education from Universidad San Francisco de Quito. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration through the University of Southern Mississippi and has earned a Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement and Digital Badge from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
“I am honored to join St Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University at such an important and exciting time,” said Sakraida.
“Catholic higher education has had a profound influence on my own life and career, and I believe deeply in its ability to form students intellectually, professionally, ethically, and spiritually. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to strengthen enrollment, elevate the story of these institutions, and expand opportunities for students to discover their purpose and succeed.”
In her new role, Sakraida will help lead the development of a coordinated growth strategy that aligns enrollment, marketing, communications, academic priorities, and student success. Her appointment comes as St Ambrose and Mount Mercy continue their work to build a more integrated, mission-centered, and sustainable model of Catholic higher education.
About St. Ambrose University
Founded in 1882 by the Diocese of Davenport, St Ambrose University’s commitment to academic excellence, the liberal arts, social justice and service is rooted in its Catholic intellectual tradition. The leading, private university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than fifty undergraduate and graduate programs. One-hundred and forty years since its inception, St Ambrose education remains centered on intentional, holistic, and experiential learning, with a vision to be a vibrant, sustainable, and learner-focused model for Catholic higher education, preparing individuals from all walks of life to lead lives characterized by our core values of courage, wisdom, justice, and service. To learn more about St Ambrose University, visit sau.edu.
About Mount Mercy University
Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages, and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community, and live their values. Mount Mercy provides a forward-thinking, future-focused education, offering baccalaureate and graduate education to 1,400+ enrolled students and uniquely blending a quality liberal-arts education with career-focused professional preparation. To learn more about Mount Mercy University, visit mtmercy.edu.
