LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Sullivan University appointed its first female president, according to our partners at Louisville Business First.

The university announced Wednesday that Jennifer Gaither will serve as Sullivan’s seventh president. Gaither was most recently the associate provost at the school.

"Jennifer’s appointment represents a pivotal moment for Sullivan University," said Glenn Sullivan, chancellor and CEO, in the release. "She possesses a rare combination of institutional memory and forward-thinking vision."

Gaither replaces Tim Swenson, who stepped down in 2025 after being placed on administrative leave, LBF reported. He was in the role for nearly three years.

Glenn Sullivan has been serving as interim president since Swenson's exit.

Gaither has a long history with Sullivan. After receiving her bachelor's degree at the school, she later earned a law degree from the University of Louisville in 1998. 

She then returned to Sullivan after practicing law at two separate firms. She spent nearly 18 years teaching law-related courses and eventually became dean of Legal Studies in 2019.

"I am our students," Gaither said in the release. "I managed a full-time job, a family, and children while attending school."

 Gaither outlined three objectives for her presidency in the release:

  • Student-centric growth: Prioritizing enrollment and retention strategies that ensure students graduate with industry-ready skills.
  • Collaborative governance: Empowering faculty and staff experts to eliminate administrative silos and implement effective institutional policies.
  • Positive institutional narrative: Shifting the focus toward success stories and the tangible progress of students and staff.

"The Sullivan community will work together to build a more resilient and dynamic university," Gaither said.

Sullivan University was founded in 1962 and enrolled about 1,800 students in fall 2025, LBF reported. The university employs about 370 people.

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