Jacksonville University appointed Lisa Sutherland as the interim dean of the Davis College of Business & Technology, effective July 1.
She succeeds Barbara Ritter, the new dean at the University of Toledo’s College of Business and Innovation.
“Dr. Sutherland brings a rare combination of academic experience and executive leadership,” Provost Sherri Jackson said in a June 30 news release. “Her work at the highest levels of corporate strategy, combined with her commitment to student success and innovation through the Honors Program, positions her to lead the Davis College with strategic insight and a deliberate focus on excellence.”
Sutherland will continue serving as executive director of the JU Honors Program.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role while continuing to lead our Honors Program,” Sutherland said in the release. “Both areas are deeply connected in their mission to challenge, support, and prepare students to lead with purpose. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the transformational power of education when it’s paired with innovation, integrity, and meaningful collaboration.”
Sutherland has led the Honors Program since 2023. She founded the Honors Living Learning Community, expanded honors offerings, instituted dedicated academic advising and co-leads the university’s 2025-30 strategic planning process.
“Dr. Sutherland has distinguished herself as a strategic thinker, a principled leader, and an advocate for academic excellence,” JU President Tim Cost said in the release. “She has already contributed meaningfully to the student experience of this University, and I am confident she will guide the Davis College with enthusiasm, vision, and focus during this important transition.”
Before joining Jacksonville University, Sutherland founded and led Sutherland Group LLC, a global consulting firm advising major brands including Walmart Inc., Yum! Brands, Papa John’s, Kraft-Heinz, Dannon and Chobani. She served as chief nutrition adviser to Walmart’s executive team and led the company’s healthier food initiative in collaboration with first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign. Additionally, she held a senior executive role at the Kellogg Co.
Sutherland received a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.