Dr. Ken Zirkle, president of Ancilla College has announced his retirement effective May 14, 2018.
Dr. Zirkle has served as president of Ancilla College for four years. He leaves behind a campus looking much different than it did from when he began. During his tenure, two new residence halls were built as well as a student life center. New programs were added including the Autism Program at Ancilla College (APAC), an agriculture program and a culinary arts program.
Dr. Zirkle comments, “I came to Ancilla College with the intent of staying one year but God had other plans. The past four years have been the most enjoyable and challenging of my career. I am impressed with the cooperative spirit and dedication of the staff and faculty to Ancilla’s mission.”
The board of trustees has appointed and affirmed Dr. Michele Dvorak, PHJC as the new president of Ancilla College.
Dr. Dvorak has ministered in education since 1976 and has a master’s degree in administration and a doctorate in Catholic Education Leadership. She has been a teacher and principal in Indiana and Illinois and a Professor at Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana where she also held the positions of Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and Director of the Education Program. For the past five years, she has served as a member of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ leadership team. Dr. Dvorak was serving as the chief operating officer at Ancilla College before her appointment as president. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and took her first vows as a Poor Handmaid in 1976.
Dr. Dvorak expressed, “I am pleased to offer my gifts and talents in collaboration with the leadership and board of Ancilla College. We look forward to a great year!”
Ancilla Board Chair, John Chandler notes, “The board of Ancilla College extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Zirkle for his passionate commitment to the mission of education in Donaldson. We are pleased that one of our own alums Dr. Dvorak will lead the college and build on a 75 plus year legacy of service by the Poor Handmaids in higher education.”
Ancilla College, part of The Center at Donaldson, is a liberal arts institution of higher learning sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
