Leadership & Mission
At Drake, we believe our university is only as strong as our leaders. Our administration is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals both on campus and throughout the community. In adhering to our core values, members of Drake administration are committed to leading with integrity and inclusion.
University Leadership
Drake’s leadership team is committed to a bold plan for progress toward our vision: to enhance our position as a premier university in the Midwest and as a national leader in higher education.
Meet Our Leaders
Drake’s leadership team combines experience with a deep dedication to the University and its mission.
Earl F. “Marty” Martin, President—President Martin has led Drake University since July 2015. Marty is an engaged leader with a commitment to students, the liberal arts, equity & inclusion, and strengthening engagement with the community.
Mark Ernst, BN'80, Managing Partner at Bellevue Capital—Mark is chair of the Drake University Board of Trustees.
Sue Mattison, Provost—Sue is the chief academic officer at Drake University, leading the Office of the Provost since 2016 in overseeing all academic programs. Additionally, she holds a PhD in epidemiology and tenure as professor in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Brian Hardin, Athletic Director—Brian provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of Drake Athletics, which fields 18 Division I teams. He was a Drake Relays champion while a student at Valley High School in West Des Moines and competed in the Relays all four years while attending Marquette.
Chris Gill, Chief Information Technology Officer—Chris has led Drake’s office of Information Technology Services (ITS) since 2015, guiding a team that maintains the University's servers and networks, safeguards data, and provides technology support to the campus community. He served previously as the CIO for Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer—Adam oversees the University’s financial operations and provides strategic direction to University constituencies with respect to financial affairs.
Venessa Macro, LW'92, Chief Administration Officer—Venessa provides leadership to several areas on campus. She previously served as associate vice president of finance and administration and director of human resources.
John P. Smith, AS'92, GR'00, Vice President for University Advancement—John has led University Advancement since 2006, overseeing teams dedicated to Alumni Relations, University Communications and Marketing, and Development.
Jerry Parker, Vice President & Dean of Students—Known by our students as “Drake’s dad,” Jerry always tries to find ways to connect with our Bulldogs. Serving at Drake since 2014, he is committed to ensuring our campus community allows students to succeed academically, personally, and professionally through the departments and programs overseen by the Division of Student Affairs.
Annique Kiel, Chief Global Affairs Officer and Dean of Global Programs—Annique provides leadership to advance our intentional commitment to global engagement.
Nate Reagen, Chief of Staff—Nate has served in this role since 2016 and provides oversight to our strategic planning, university-level projects, handles community relations, and manages the Bulldog Shop.
The Academic Deans and Chairs—These academic leaders lead the University’s six colleges and schools, the libraries, the interdisciplinary programs, the Division of Student Affairs, and the academic departments.
Jerrid Kruse, Professor of Education—Jerrid serves as President of the Drake Faculty Senate.
Administrative Offices
Each administrative office at Drake University is specifically committed to serving students, faculty, and alumni. Whether you’re considering Drake as your college of choice, or looking for financial aid, we make it easy to get the help you need.
Strategic Plan
Drake’s mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. Our strategic plan guides us as an institution to continue that mission. Through providing exceptional learning opportunities, building on our successes, and implementing and executing administrative processes. Drake is delivering on our mission promise, today and every day.
Campus Construction Projects
Just like Greater Des Moines, Drake University is improving more and more every year. Take a look at what is being worked on, what has been finished, and what is to come.