SUTHERLAND
STEPPING INTO
LEADERSHIP
INSIGHTS FROM DR. LISA SUTHERLAND AS SHE APPROACHES HER UPCOMING TENURE AS INTERIM PRESIDENT
Jacksonville University is entering an exciting new era of leadership. After 14 years of transformative service, President Tim Cost will transition to the role of University Chancellor on July 1, 2026. Taking the helm as Interim President will be Dr. Lisa Sutherland, a leader whose career spans higher education and global business, including faculty roles at UNC Chapel Hill and Dartmouth College, founding a global consulting firm, and serving as chief nutrition advisor to Walmart’ s executive team during First Lady Michelle Obama’ s“ Let’ s Move!” initiative.
Since joining JU in 2023, Dr. Sutherland has made an immediate impact, transforming the honors program into the Cost Honors College, co-chairing the University’ s 2030 Strategic Plan and serving as Interim
Dean of the Davis College of Business and Technology. Before she steps into her new role, WAVE sat down with Dr. Sutherland to get to know the accomplished person behind the title.
What’ s a guiding principle that has shaped your leadership style?
I’ ve always tried to lead with authenticity and a humancentered approach. I think we all do our best work when we show up as whole people, not just professionals playing a role.
How were you introduced to Jacksonville University?
My daughter attended JU. I fell in love with the emphasis on community, kindness, and caring that I had not experienced with our kids who attended other universities.
28 WAV E MAGAZINE | Spring 2026