In July 2025, the University of Indianapolis welcomed Dr. Carolyn Golz as its next Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Success.
Dr. Golz was drawn to UIndy because of its welcoming, close-knit community. As she spoke with University leadership, visited campus, and interacted with faculty and staff, it was obvious that UIndy is a place where relationships matter and student success is at the center of everything.
“I do my best work in smaller communities, places where you have the opportunity to build relationships across campus. When you can build those relationships, you can get so much more done because people want to help and work with you,” explained Dr. Golz.
“When I interviewed on campus and met with Dr. Singh and team, it became very clear that this is a place where everybody is laser-focused on student success. Everything we do should be focused on student success, so I appreciated that the mission was clear.”
Dr. Golz brings with her a wealth of experience in Student Affairs. She has held leadership positions at Ferris State University, the University of Illinois Chicago, Lake Forest College, and, most recently, the University of New Orleans, where she served as Vice President for Student Affairs.
Dr. Golz holds a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a master’s in criminal justice administration from Ferris State University, a master’s in experiential education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her research and publications reflect a lifelong dedication to understanding and improving the student experience.
Her journey in Student Affairs can be traced back to her own undergraduate studies, where she worked as a resident assistant. The connections she built with her ResLife staff provided the support she needed to succeed as a first-generation college student and ultimately launched her career in student affairs.
“My hall directors were my support, my advisers, and my life coaches,” recalled Dr. Golz. “I don’t know if I would have finished college had I not gotten involved in ResLife. That connection with the staff really made it possible for me to graduate. So my goal throughout my career has been to be that person for students whom I found in my own college experience.”
With more than a fourth of UIndy’s students identifying as first-generation, her story resonates deeply. Dr. Golz knows firsthand how meaningful it is for students to feel seen and supported.
“Students only need one person. They just need that one person. And we all play that role. We can all be that one person that students know is there is cheering in their corner and when they have a bad day they can come and sit in your office and just have a moment or they can send you an email and ask for help and you may not be the person who can solve the problem but you can help them find the person who can help solve that problem.”
That student-centered philosophy will drive everything Dr. Golz does, including her vision for the future of Student Affairs at UIndy. As she begins her first academic year, she is committed to getting to know students, learning about their needs, and empowering her team to create the best possible college experience.
“My job is to be the voice of the students,” she said. “I will also interact with the Student Government Association and empower them to also be the voice of students and another channel to bring messages to me. I want to know what challenges students are facing on campus, what ideas they have for improving the student experience, and even what swag items make the best giveaways.”
Students won’t only see her behind a desk. Describing herself as an “in-the-trenches, roll-up-my-sleeves, do-the-work-alongside-everybody” leader, Dr. Golz plans to be a visible presence at student events, SGA meetings, and around campus.
“I will be a very visible leader. I will participate in student events,” she said. “I will attend student meetings. When students ask me to come to something, I’m going to do my best to make it there, so that students know who I am.”
Outside of work, Dr. Golz knows how to bring the energy to a celebration. During her years in New Orleans, she was part of two Mardi Gras krewes: the Leijorettes and the Krewe of the Rolling Elvi. As a Leijorette, she dressed as Princess Leia from Star Wars and marched in the parade. With the Rolling Elvi, she donned an Elvis costume—sideburns and all—and rode a scooter through the streets. She was even part of the first group of women in the krewe to portray Elvis rather than Priscilla Presley.
The UIndy community is also excited to welcome Dr. Golz’s family—her husband, Cliff, and their two dogs, Hazel and Forest. Together, they are eager to make Indianapolis their home.
“I’m thrilled to be here at UIndy,” Dr. Golz said. “I can’t wait to get to know our students and the rest of the campus community. We’re going to do some great things together.”