Viterbo names Tonya Wagner VP for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness

Viterbo University has named Tonya Wagner, EdD, vice president for academic affairs and institutional effectiveness (VPAAIE) effective immediately.

Wagner had served in the interim role since November 2022.

“It is such an honor to be selected to serve in this capacity,” Wagner said. “We have such amazing faculty and staff who are committed to fostering student transformation and to positively impacting our community and region. I look forward to helping guide the university into the future and building on the strong legacy of all who have come before us.”

As VPAAIE, Wagner will serve as the chief academic officer, will lead the academic support and institutional effectiveness functions of the university, and will be a member of the university’s senior leadership team.

Wagner began at Viterbo in 2021 as the dean of the College of Business, Leadership, Ethics, and Education.

She had previously served as an academic dean at Western Technical College and Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Wash.

Wagner has extensive experience in strategic planning and partnerships, workforce education, academic program development, grant writing, and academic program review.

“Tonya is a proven leader who knows our university and employees and she understands the complexities of the higher education landscape and the region,” Viterbo President Rick Trietley said. “Her team focus, enthusiasm, and visionary leadership are a perfect match for the university. I am very confident that she will excel in this vitally important role.”

Wagner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion and International Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from the McCormick Theological Seminary, and an EdD from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the consulting firm Hyatt and Fennell, who assisted Viterbo with this hire and our recent search for the vice president for finance and administration position,” Trietley added. “I would also like to extend my gratitude to the members of the university search committee members for their exceptional work, due diligence, and dedication to the process.”