Brevard, NC, May 4, 2026 –
At the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education (Gardner Institute), we believe leadership is grounded in evidence, collaboration, and a deep commitment to transforming institutions and systems so every student can thrive. This is our Transformation Vision. As our work continues to grow nationally, we are pleased to welcome talented leaders whose experience and passion strengthen this mission.
“We are excited to welcome Katie Easley to the Gardner Institute team,” said Andrew (Drew) Koch, PhD, CEO of the Gardner Institute. “Katie brings a powerful blend of campus-based leadership, student success expertise, and a deep understanding of how to scale evidence-based practices. Her experience designing and implementing reforms that improve teaching, learning, and student outcomes will be invaluable as we continue to expand our transformation work.”
Katie Easley joins the Gardner Institute as Assistant Vice President, where she will be partnering with colleges and universities nationwide to advance large-scale, evidence-based reforms that promote student success and institutional effectiveness. In this role, she will work with campus leaders, faculty, and staff to design and implement strategies that strengthen teaching and learning, enhance the student experience, and drive meaningful gains in persistence and completion.
Before joining the Gardner Institute, Katie served as Director of Student Success at Western Michigan University, where she led a comprehensive portfolio of initiatives to improve academic outcomes. Her leadership included efforts such as Gateway Course Redesign, Peer Academic Success Coaching, the Peer Navigator Program, and the Learning Assistant Program. Through this work, she partnered closely with faculty and staff to embed data-informed, student-centered practices across the institution, contributing to measurable improvements in course success rates, student persistence, and overall retention.
Katie’s professional interests include student success strategy, peer education, curriculum transformation, and institutional approaches to retention and completion. She is especially focused on helping institutions translate research into sustained, systemic change through holistic, scalable models of support that respond to the diverse needs of today’s learners.
“I am truly honored to join the Gardner Institute team. The Institute’s commitment to innovation, integrity, and opportunity for every learner reflects values I hold close to my heart, and I could not be more excited to bring my passion for intentional, student-centered work to this remarkable team.” Katie Easley
Katie holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership from Western Michigan University, along with undergraduate degrees in English and Spanish Secondary Education. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her husband and their two children.
As we continue to expand our reach and deepen our mission, we remain committed to building a team that leads with purpose, collaboration, and impact—because that’s how real, lasting change happens.
Stay tuned as we continue to introduce the people who power our purpose.