Institutions to welcome new COO next week

After an extensive six-month search, Kara Kolomitz has been hired as CSB+SJU’s inaugural joint chief operating officer, marking another step towards a more streamlined combined administration under President Brian Bruess.

Kolomitz previously held the position of chief operating officer among other roles in administration at Regis College in Boston and has over 25 years of experience in Catholic higher education.

“During my time with President Bruess and Provost [Richard] Ice and in reading Strong Integration—the new governance and leadership structure for both schools—I was struck by the visionary approach both boards took to strengthen and broaden the scope and future of our two campuses,” Kolomitz said via email, describing what drew her to CSB+SJU.

Kolomitz’s various accomplishments during her tenure in the administration of Regis College include increasing first year retention and graduation rates with a program to analyze student progress and helping with a plan to address systemic racism through awards to recognize achievements in diversity. She covered many aspects of the inner workings of the university, such as risk management, financial aid budget and organizational strategy, among others.

Kolomitz takes office on Monday, Feb. 6, and her duties begin the moment she arrives on campus. The quick turnover seems fitting for the level of enthusiasm she displays when talking about getting started at CSB+SJU.

“From the time I was an undergraduate student at a Jesuit university and educated in the liberal arts tradition, I have been committed to a Catholic, holistic education that is not just awakening and transformative for the individual, but that is aimed toward justice and common good,” she said. “Serving the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University in this inaugural role, where these values are lived and celebrated, is the culmination of my work in the field to date.”

President Bruess expressed confidence and excitement for Kolomitz’s new role, citing her ability to understand the institutional goals of CSB+SJU in accordance with her educational background and professional experience.

“What makes Kara distinctive is her love of the mission. She understands that Catholic Benedictine piece and the liberal arts piece really well,” he said.

The appointment of a COO was originally meant to be done in tandem with Bruess’ official start as president in July of 2022 but was delayed to perform a more wide ranging and detail-oriented search for someone to fill the role.

“An important part of the process was a national search, led by a search firm, a great faculty and staff committee, which generated probably 60 or 70 applications,” Bruess said. “In that national search, Kara rose to the top.”

Bruess said Kolomitz’s position is the last of the major joint administration roles to be filled following his start as president and the implementation of the Strong Integration plan. At CSB+SJU, the COO works in close collaboration with the provost to enhance student life and learning on campus.

“If the provost is responsible for curating the curricular and co-curricular student experience, the COO is helping to curate conditions that enable the best possible student experience,” Bruess said.

While an important part of her job will entail cooperation with Provost Ice, Bruess and their respective teams as part of the larger campus administration, Kolomitz’s main role will be keeping in direct contact with students to address campus-wide and individual needs. Kolomitz said she intends to fulfill that role entirely and expressed her excitement to begin working closely with campus community during these first months of transition into the position.

“It is important to me to hear from and meet all of our campus constituents, not once, but regularly and meaningfully,” she said. “My experience thus far with our two campuses has been of truly radical hospitality, which I am so touched by, and I intend to return the gesture in big and small ways during my time here.”

Bruess believes that Kolomitz’s impact on CSB+SJU will be immediate and easily recognizable, especially for students since her role is intended to support students by being extremely present on campus. He said he envisions Kolomitz helping to address issues and concerns raised by students, such as expansions of mental health resources or increased food service access. He emphasized that whatever is necessary or advocated for by CSB+SJU students, big or small, is what Kolomitz will help implement.

“Students have no idea what they’re in for,” he said. “And it’s going to be awesome.”