North Central College Senior Leadership Team Welcomes Cabinet-Level Appointments in Institutional Advancement and Student Affairs Divisions

North Central College President Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá announced today the appointments of two senior leaders who will join the President’s Cabinet and lead their respective divisions. Rachel Gamarra has been appointed vice president for institutional advancement, and Dr. Vicki Williams has been appointed vice president for student life and dean of students. These leaders will begin their new roles effective July 1, 2025.

“After conducting thorough national searches for both of these key leadership positions, it’s my sincere pleasure to welcome Rachel and Vicki to the Cardinal community,” said President Gòkè-Pariolá. “Rachel will contribute her experience as a high-level fundraiser and leader of successful development teams in the nonprofit and higher education sectors. Vicki is a veteran higher education leader with a stellar track record of advocating for students and coordinating student services, care and engagement programs.”

Gamarra arrives at North Central after serving as chief development officer for By the Hand Club for Kids, a Chicago-based after-school program that provides support for children in under-resourced neighborhoods, from kindergarten through college. Previously, Gamarra was director of stewardship planning at Taylor University in Upland, Ind., director of development at the Albany Symphony, and she has previous experience at North Central, serving as the College’s director of development from 2016-2018. Her time at North Central included overseeing development of the Shimer Great Books School alumni cohort upon its inception at the College and coincided with the College’s $150 million Brilliant Future Campaign.

Gamarra earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Carthage College and her master’s degree in English literature from the University at Albany, SUNY.

“I am delighted to serve in this capacity at North Central College and to work with President Gòkè-Pariolá and the professional community on campus to enhance an already strong institution,” said Gamarra. “North Central has an accomplished alumni community and a broad network of supporters. I can’t wait to get to work meeting with Cardinals who share a passion for this institution and to build upon the foundation that is in place to help North Central continue to grow and flourish.”

Williams is currently the associate vice president and dean of students at Old Dominion University (ODU), an R1 research institution serving nearly 24,000 students in Norfolk, Va.

During her 20-plus years at ODU, Williams has gained valuable student affairs leadership experience. Starting as associate director of residence life in 2004, her additional roles have included associate director of student development and engagement, executive director of student development and engagement, associate dean of students, and interim associate vice president of engagement and dean of students. Prior to ODU, Williams was a residence hall director and area coordinator at Kent State University (KSU) in Ohio.

Williams earned her bachelor’s degree in individual and family studies from KSU, her master’s degree in community counseling, also from KSU, and her Ph.D. in organizational leadership from Regent University.

“I am grateful to President Gòkè-Pariolá for this opportunity to help shape the student experience at North Central College – an experience that supports the priorities outlined in the NCForward Strategic Plan,” said Williams. “I am looking forward to collaborating with campus partners to create a dynamic environment that encourages student engagement throughout the college journey as students prepare to become active citizens within a global society. North Central is clearly an institution that is committed to student success, and I’m excited to join the Cardinal community and begin connecting with students.”

“We recently concluded an incredibly successful academic year at North Central College and our future outlook is even brighter with the vision and talent that Rachel and Vicki will contribute to this institution moving forward,” said President Gòkè-Pariolá.

Media Contact

Jeremy Borling, Senior Director, Office of Institutional Communication
North Central College
jaborling@noctrl.edu

About North Central College

North Central College provides students with the confidence, instruction and direction they need to exceed their personal best inside and outside of the classroom and throughout their careers. Founded in 1861 and located just 28 miles west of Chicago in the Historic District of Naperville, Ill. — named among the nation’s “Best Places to Live” by Money magazine — North Central is home to more than 2,900 students and offers more than 90 undergraduate majors, 67 additional undergraduate minors and concentrations, and 24 graduate degree and graduate certificate programs. Visit northcentralcollege.edu to discover why U.S. News & World Report has named North Central a “Best in the Midwest” school for 30 years in a row, and to learn more about the College’s state-of-the-art facilities and distinctive programs, particularly in the sciences and business.