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Alan Jhade
Alan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Nebraska in 1975, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia in 1979, and an LL.M., Masters of Law in Taxation, from the University of Denver in 1987. He has participated as an instructor in the Graduate Tax Program, Continuing Legal Education Division, at the University of Denver. His practice areas were international income and estate tax planning, asset protection planning, and private placement life insurance planning. He co-founded the Denver area tax law firm of Anderson & Jahde, P.C. in 1995. Alan co-founded Investors Preferred Life Insurance Company of South Dakota in 2013 and serves as its full-time CEO and Board Member. Alan is Chairman and a Board Member of Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
Mark M. Steele
Mark Steele is the son of the founder of RMCAD, Philip Steele. A graduate of Boston University, he is a well-known Boston sculptor, painter, and illustrator whose award-winning work has earned an international following. His clients include Accor Hotels, Paris (original sculptures), New York Times Magazine (several covers), Fortune, Time, and Harvard Magazine (original drawings and paintings). His three-dimensional work has been published by Workman Publishing in New York. Commissions include public work for clients Dali Restaurant, Cambridge, Ma, Cuchi Cuchi Restaurant, Somerville, Ma, and the Regis Performing Arts Center in Denver, Co. as well as numerous private commissions in the US and Internationally. He is a Contributing Editor at Harvard Magazine, which has commissioned original drawings for over 25 years and in 2019 was chosen to give a public lecture and demonstration on Toulouse Lautrec at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. He currently teaches at Lesley University College of Art and Design.
Deborah Magruder
Debbie Magruder currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Full Sail University. She has been the CFO of Full Sail University for 23 years. She has been employed by Full Sail University for a total of 30 years, where her career began there in 1989. Debbie directs the administrative, financial, human resource, and compliance departments at the University. In this role, she oversees the accounting department to include all financial reporting and modeling, compliance and regulatory matters, and the human resource department. Debbie has a BBA degree in Accounting from Stetson University. And is a licensed CPA in the State of Florida and has held this active license since 1995.
In 2016, she was recognized as the Administrator of the Year award from the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC). That same year, she was nominated for and completed the Leadership Stetson University program. She has been nominated for the Girl Scout’s of Citrus Council Women of Distinction award. In 2021, she was awarded the Distinguished Volunteer of the Year from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). In 2022, she completed the Leadership Winter Park program, Class XXXII. And recently, she was awarded the 2023 Vicky Raymond Helping Hands Award by CECO, Conductive Education Center of Orlando.
In addition to her career achievements, she is an Executive Committee board member and Treasurer of the Winter Park Florida Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Stetson University Alumni Association, and a board member on the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design Board of Directors and a board member of Mead Botanical Garden. She was a member of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Financial Review Committee for over ten years, is the former Chair of the CECU Federal Regulatory Committee and a current member of the CECU Federal Legislative and Regulatory Committees. She is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA), Financial Executives International (FIE), the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), and the Florida Institute of CFOs (FiCFO).
Karen B. Webber
MEd, Counseling and Student Personnel Management, Ohio University; BS Speech Pathology and Audiology, California University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Webber held Senior Vice President positions in Administration at Regis University for over 15 years until her retirement from that institution in 2015. Responsibilities included executive level management of the departments of Human Resources, Information Technology, Physical Plant and Capital Construction, Campus Security, and Enrollment Services (including Financial Aid, Registration and Academic Records, and Student Accounts). She was also responsible for negotiating and managing the faculty union contract; serving as ombudsman for faculty, staff, and student grievances on behalf of the President; planning and coordination of meetings of and communications with the Board of Trustees as well as the President’s Cabinet; and project management as assigned by the President. She previously held senior and mid-level administration positions at Regis University, Loretto Heights College, the University of Northern Colorado, North Central College in Illinois, and California University of Pennsylvania. She is currently serving on a number of municipal boards such as Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design.
Lauren Kirwin
Lauren Kirwin has over eight years of experience engaging students and young adults both on-campus and in the community. She is passionate about providing engaging opportunities for students to grow personally and professionally. Kirwin began her career at Michigan Technological University, advising student organizations, volunteering with the campus food pantry, and leading staff committees to support student opportunities. Most recently, she managed all youth and young adult programs at Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. In her free time, she serves as a board member for DOVIA Colorado and chairs the Hike for Hope event for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She enjoys reading and traveling with her two dogs and her husband.
Matt Garland
Matt Garland is a highly accomplished HR professional with a proven track record of success in various roles. He is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of HR best practices and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Garland has extensive experience in all aspects of HR, including total rewards, organizational development, and HR policies and compliance. Garland is also a certified SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional), demonstrating his expertise and commitment to the HR profession. Outside of his professional life, Garland is an avid chef, trying new creations on his family, and spends his time with his wife, daughter, and chocolate lab Bailey.
Dr. Lucas Sheaffer
Lucas Sheaffer is an educator and scholar from Denver, Colorado. He holds a PhD from Temple University. His work interrogates the intersection of the natural world and the narrative imagination, specifically the role and metaphor water in 20th century American fiction. After nearly a decade of teaching, Sheaffer has taught environmental literature courses on three continents, and loves to travel locally and globally with his family and students whenever possible. If not reading a beautiful novel, then you’ll likely find him hiking or exploring with his family throughout Colorado. Most recently Sheaffers’ work appeared as a chapter in Ecocriticism and the Future of Southern Studies (LSU Press 2019) edited by Zachary Vernon.
Jessica Elliott
Elliott brings extensive knowledge and experience in interior design and academic administration, along with a passion for teaching, to Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Master of Science in Interior Design and acquired her certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification in 2010.
For the past 17 years, Elliott has been leading and educating interior design students and faculty. She has taught various interior design classes, including Introduction to Interior Design, Commercial Design, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Hospitality Design. In addition to her academic role, Elliott has worked full-time in the field of commercial interior design since earning her undergraduate degree. Her areas of specialty include space planning, AutoCAD, construction management, finish selection, field verification, and furniture specification for large commercial clients.
In her spare time, Elliott enjoys working out at Orange Theory and hiking with her son, Jaxson, daughter, Jaidyn, and Vizslas, Quinn, and Bailey. Fall is her favorite time of year. Golf and photography have been hobbies of hers for several years.
Jenna Heil
Jenna Heil is a passionate writer who values brand awareness and media relation strategies. She joined the RMCAD team in February 2022 and has since helped redesign the RMCAD site and relaunch the RMCAD Blog. Heil has 6+ years of experience in the communications and marketing realms, spanning several industries including sustainable seafood, travel and tourism, construction, and higher education. Her expertise lies in content creation and management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from The University of Georgia – Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Kellie Johnson
Kellie Johnson brings over 13 years of experience in higher education to her role as RMCAD’s Registrar. In her role, she oversees the Office of the Registrar, ensuring institutional compliance with rules and regulations set forth by the Department of Education and student record keeping. Her responsibilities extend to student scheduling, evaluating transfer credits for incoming students, degree conferral, and orchestrating various administrative processes crucial to the success of the institution. Additionally, Johnson serves as the Primary Designated School Official within the SEVIS system, entrusted with the issuance of student visas and maintaining compliance with international student regulations. Her management facilitates seamless experiences for international students while navigating intricate visa procedures. Furthermore, she is vital in assisting international students with post-graduation options. As a PDSO, Johnson is responsible for periodic recertification reviews through SEVP.
Before her tenure as Registrar, Johnson honed her expertise through diverse roles at RMCAD, including positions in Admissions and Enrollment Management. These experiences equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the institution’s dynamics and a commitment to fostering student success at every stage of their academic journey. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Colorado State University.
Scott Wakefield
Scott Wakefield has worked as a freelance illustrator in children’s book illustration, serving national publishers such as Harper Collins, Sterling Publishing, Scholastic, and McGraw Hill. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from Utah State University. Wakefield is currently represented at the national level by Shannon & Associates. Although versatile with nearly any medium, much of Wakefield’s work is done in traditional media such as oil paint, ink, pastels, and acrylic, bringing richness and nostalgia to his unique style. Wakefield’s work demonstrates engaging characters, effective storytelling, and a strong sense of life and light. At home, Wakefield and his wife, Kori, enjoy the unique personalities of their five children, serving in their church, and family activities such as sidewalk chalk art and rock climbing.
Rob Evans
Robert Tammany Evans is a multimedia artist, designer, and musician from Wyoming. Evans studied Fine Arts with an emphasis in Photo + Video at RMCAD, graduating summa cum laude in 2014. Evans now serves as the Gallery Director for the college, curating exhibitions and working with senior students from all departments to develop their Graduation Exhibition displays.
Martha Neth
Martha Neth became an art librarian because art students ask better questions than business students. She has worked at the Art Institute of Chicago, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Art Institute of Colorado and now is at RMCAD sharing the knowledge she has collected over the years. She possesses a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts, and a Master of Library Studies and is currently working on her PhD.
Gretchen Schaefer
Gretchen Marie Schaefer was born, raised, and currently resides in Denver, Colorado. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Visual Arts from Regis University. She is a co-founding member of artist-owned and operated TANK Studios, LLC., a sustainable, community-centered studio space for professional artists in Denver. Schaefer is a former board member of RedLine Contemporary Art Center and of Tilt West, a non-profit dedicated to fostering critical dialogue in art and culture through conversations and publications. Since 2013, Schaefer has directed the Visiting Artist, Scholar, and Designer Program at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) where she curates the annual theme and roster of visiting artists. Her curatorial work includes exhibitions by Catherine Haggarty and Esteban Cabeza de Baca. In 2014, Schaefer was listed as one of Denver Westword’s “100 Colorado Creatives” and in 2016 she received Westword’s “Best Of” for her work directing the Visiting Artist Program at RMCAD. Her artwork has been exhibited at numerous locations including the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, the University of Colorado Boulder Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, Rule Gallery in Marfa, TX, Texas Tech University’s School of Art, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO. Schaefer was an artist-in-residence at RedLine Contemporary Art Center (Denver, CO), Breckenridge Creative Arts (Breckenridge, CO), and Jentel Artist Residency (Banner, WY).
Greg Keppler
Greg W Keppler is proud to be serving RMCAD since 2013, currently as the Director of Counseling and Accessibility Services. Keppler is a Neurodivergence specialist recognized by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and a Licensed Professional Counselor recognized by the State of Colorado. He possesses a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling.
Wendy Wibbens
Director of Academic Operations, Wendy Wibbens began her career in higher education at the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music as an administrative assistant. One of her favorite series of positions came during her 10 years at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she worked in a series of positions in the Graduate School and created many new programs, relationships, and opportunities for graduate students. Wibbens also worked as a Registrar at Colorado Christian University. Prior to coming to RMCAD, she worked at CSU-Global building out a variety of departments during the startup of that organization. Over her 30+ years in higher education, Wibbens has worked in many positions across administration. She was also an instructor at Southern New Hampshire University for the Master’s in Leadership program. She has served Academic Affairs at RMCAD for 9 years, helping build out a variety of services and support functions at the College. She holds a certificate in Graphic Design from Platt College, is completing a Certificate in Botanical Illustration with the Denver Botanic Gardens, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Colorado Christian University, and a Master of Arts in Leadership from the Denver Seminary.
Nicolle Dale
Nicolle Dale is a Career and Professional Development leader with over a decade of experience in higher education. As the Director of Career and Alumni Services at RMCAD, Dale oversees a comprehensive program aimed at empowering students and alumni to achieve their professional goals. Dale excels at building strong relationships with employers and alumni and orchestrates impactful programming initiatives such as career fairs, networking events, workshops, and industry-specific guest speakers. Her strategic leadership has led to the creation of innovative initiatives that align with current job market trends and meet the evolving needs of both students and employers. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Merchandising and Design from Colorado State University.
Sara Olson
Sara E. Rodriguez Olson is a seasoned Executive Customer Success professional based in Denver, Colorado. With almost 15 years of higher education experience, she brings a proven track record in driving student satisfaction, retention, and revenue growth. Olson excels in developing and executing customer success strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and leveraging data insights for continuous improvement. She is a dynamic leader who has significantly increased student retention rates and reentry application-start rates through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts. With expertise in CRM, operational management, and leadership development, Olson is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and fostering long-term business success. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Colorado State University.
Tracy Craven
Director of Financial Aid, Tracy Craven is an accomplished financial aid executive with over 20 years of experience in the field. Craven holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a Masters in Organizational Management from Regis University. Having worked in both the private and public education sector her entire career, she is an expert in all aspects of being compliant with Title IV along with submitting new program approvals and updates in e-Application when necessary. In her current role as Director of Financial Aid and Military Services, she currently leads a geographically dispersed team and has delivered flawless FSA (Federal Student Aid), and OAE (Office of Inspector General Office of Audits and Evaluations) over her tenure. Craven currently sits as a membership chair of CAFAA (Colorado Association of Financial Aid Administrators).
Carrie Iverson
Carrie Iverson is an experienced accounting and finance professional with over 15 years in the field. Iverson has a proven track record of successfully managing financial operations and driving business growth. She has a strong background in accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. Prior to joining RMCAD as Director of Accounting + Finance, Iverson held senior finance roles in other higher education institutions where she implemented strategic financial initiatives that resulted in increased profitability. She holds a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation and has a Masters in Accounting. She is a strategic thinker with a passion for driving financial performance and delivering results while mentoring her rockstar team of other accounting professionals.
Kyle Curran
With over two decades of experience in higher education operations and enrollment management, Kyle Curran brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Senior Vice President, Enrollment Management at RMCAD. He is responsible for all admissions, advising, and technology functions for the college. Prior to his work at RMCAD, Curran served as the Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Metavasi Partners, a consulting firm specializing in business process redesign and technology transformation for public and private institutions. With previous roles as Senior Vice President of Operations at Zovio, Inc., an educational technology services company, and various leadership positions at the University of Phoenix, Curran has experience in optimizing operations, enhancing student success, and fostering collaboration across teams.
Sarah Johnson
Sarah Johnson, a Colorado local, brings a wealth of experience in higher education, with over twenty years devoted to nurturing art and design students. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management, she has traversed various roles spanning career services, student affairs, housing, and admissions. Johnson’s number one priority is students, evident in her commitment to fostering collaboration across departments
Leila Ertel
Leila Ertel (she/her/hers) is a digital marketer who specializes in conversion rate optimization and growth marketing. Ertel holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from San Francisco State University and has since served in several marketing and communications roles, most recently as VP of Marketing for RMCAD. Prior to RMCAD, she served as Head of eCommerce Marketing for VSP Vision. She joined RMCAD in July 2023 and has since used her creative and analytical skills to help more students discover RMCAD and their path to a fulfilling creative career.
Neely Patton
Neely Patton has been with RMCAD since 2007, serving as an Associate Professor of Art History, Department Head and Chair of Liberal Arts, Dean of Program and Curriculum Development, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, and Strategic Advisor to the President. In her current role, Patton oversees the execution of the college’s 5-year strategic plan. Directly supporting Academic Affairs, Patton oversees student learning assessment and program review and serves as the College’s Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO). Patton collaborates across the college on other initiatives related to continuous improvement through annual surveys, departmental annual goals and objectives, and key results and performance indicators. She holds a Master of Arts in Art History and Museum Studies from the University of Denver and is a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in Visual Arts: Philosophy, Aesthetics, and Art Theory at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts (IDSVA). Neely is an avid supporter and promoter of visual, performative, and poetic artistic practices and practitioners.
