UJ Announces New Vice Presidents for Graduate and Undergraduate Programs

The University of Jamestown has announced two key leadership appointments, marking a new chapter of growth and innovation for both its graduate and undergraduate divisions. These hires follow a period of significant expansion in graduate studies and the completion of a highly competitive national search for undergraduate leadership. 

Dr. Kristin Lefebvre has been named Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate Faculty, effective July 1. Dr. Michelle Solensky has been appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Faculty, effective July 7. 

Lefebvre to Advance Graduate Education and Innovation 

The University’s graduate enrollment has grown from 42 students in two programs in 2013-14 to a projected 403 students in 10 programs—including three doctorates and seven master’s degrees—in fall 2025.  

Lefebvre, with her extensive experience and proven leadership, has been chosen to advance these graduate programs at UJ. This promotion comes as part of the University’s strategic plan to expand its academic offerings and further build its reputation as a leader in higher education through increasing scholarship, research and sponsored programs for students and faculty.  

Lefebvre previously served as the founding Program Director of the Ph.D. in clinical research at the University of Jamestown from 2022 to 2025 and as Dean of Graduate Faculty Affairs from 2024 to 2025. Before joining UJ, she was a Professor of Physical Therapy at Concordia University, St. Paul, from 2018 to 2022, and a faculty member at Widener University from 2005 to 2018. 

Since joining the University of Jamestown in 2022, Lefebvre has established a world-class Ph.D. program in clinical research, the only fully online clinical research Ph.D. program in the world. The program has a retention rate well above the national average, with 15 students set to graduate in May 2026. Students in the program represent multiple countries and diverse backgrounds across the United States. 

Lefebvre has also played a key role in supporting other initiatives, including the Master of Health Science degree for pathologists’ assistants and the launch of the Health Sciences and Graduate Center in Phoenix, Arizona.  

“I am very proud of the success of our Ph.D. program, and I am excited for the upcoming pathologists’ assistant program and the opening of our Arizona campus,” Lefebvre said. “Our students’ work is meaningfully affecting the world, and I look forward to continuing to build innovative programs that prepare students for the healthcare of tomorrow.” 

“Dr. Lefebvre is visionary and dynamic, and I have no doubt that she will build upon the foundation we have established for graduate studies at UJ,” said Paul J. Olson, Executive Vice President.  

Lefebvre holds a doctorate in health policy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Delaware, and a certificate in foundations of clinical research from Harvard University School of Medicine. Lefebvre has authored more than a 25 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. 

Solensky to Lead Undergraduate Academic Excellence  

Solensky, a respected and accomplished member of the UJ faculty, has been chosen to lead the undergraduate programs and faculty. Her leadership is expected to bring about positive changes and further enhance the academic experience for undergraduate students. 

She most recently served as Chair of the Department of Natural Science from 2024 to 2025 and was Director of the University of Jamestown Honors Program from 2017 to 2024. Solensky has been a member of the University’s biology faculty for 16 years, earning promotion to professor in 2014. She previously served as an assistant professor at the College of Wooster in Ohio from 2004 to 2009. 

“After conducting an extensive nationwide search, we decided that the best candidate for the position was in our backyard,” Olson said. “Dr. Solensky brings a track record of excellence in the classroom and lab to the position; alumni she has taught have thrived in medical, physical therapy, and Physician Assistant school after graduating from UJ. She led a transformation of our honors program and had a strong first year as chair of the natural science department. She knows who we are and the potential UJ has as a university.” 

Looking ahead, Solensky said, “I’m eager to discuss faculty ideas and challenges, and I’m excited to collaborate with the administrative team to help UJ thrive and grow. I will also continue to support my colleagues’ professional development and celebrate their achievements and excellence.” 

Solensky earned her doctorate in ecology, evolution, and behavior from the University of Minnesota in 2003 and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. She is a two-time recipient of the University of Jamestown Professor of the Year award, having received the honor in 2012 and 2023. Solensky is the author or co-author of 15 journal articles and book chapters and is co-editor of the book “The Monarch Butterfly: Biology and Conservation” with Karen Oberhauser. 

To learn more about the University of Jamestown’s academic programs, leadership, or to schedule an interview with our new vice presidents, visit UJ.edu or contact the Marketing Office at 701-446-7498 or marketing@uj.edu. 

About the University of Jamestown 

University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the bachelor’s level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master’s degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.