University of Evansville Appoints Rachel S. Carpenter as Executive Director and Dean of Harlaxton College

Kristen Strandberg to Serve as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

EVANSVILLE, Ind., and GRANTHAM, England - (06/23/2026) — Following a nationwide search, the University of Evansville (UE) has appointed Rachel Carpenter, DPS, as Executive Director and Dean of Harlaxton College, the University's British campus located in Grantham, England.

Carpenter currently serves as UE's Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, a role she has held since 2022. During her tenure, she has provided exceptional leadership and dedication to students while helping guide the University through significant periods of growth and transformation.

As leader of the Division of Student Affairs, Carpenter oversaw key aspects of the University's residential housing initiatives, including portions of the Phase I project and the completion of Phase II, which included the opening and integration of Lincoln Commons into the student experience. Her leadership has strengthened student engagement, counseling and support services, campus life, and the overall student experience.

Carpenter is widely recognized as a collaborative leader who builds strong partnerships across campus. She played an integral role in the University's successful Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation process in 2025, helping demonstrate UE's commitment to institutional excellence and student success.

"Rachel has made a tremendous impact on the University of Evansville and our students," said University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. "Her commitment to student success, deep understanding of the Harlaxton experience, and passion for global education make her exceptionally qualified to lead one of the most distinctive and transformative study abroad programs in higher education. I am confident she will continue to build upon Harlaxton's remarkable legacy while preparing it for an even brighter future."

A proud University of Evansville alumna, Carpenter earned her bachelor's degree in 2003 and master's degree in 2009. Earlier in her career, she served in several student-focused leadership roles at UE, including two years as Dean of Students at Harlaxton College. Prior to returning to UE in 2022, she held several senior student affairs leadership positions at Pace University in New York.

"I am honored to return to Harlaxton in this new capacity," said Carpenter. "Harlaxton played an important role in my professional journey, and I look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to continue providing life-changing global experiences that prepare students to live meaningful lives in a changing world."

Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Pietruszkiewicz also expressed gratitude to Dr. Kristen Strandberg, who has served as Interim Executive Director and Dean of Harlaxton College since January. Upon the completion of her interim appointment at Harlaxton, Strandberg will return to the University of Evansville campus to serve as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. In that role, she will provide leadership for the Division of Student Affairs and continue advancing initiatives that support student engagement and success.

"Kristen has provided outstanding leadership during this transition period, and we are grateful for her service to Harlaxton. We are equally excited to welcome her back to campus as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Kristen's commitment to students, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of the University make her exceptionally well-positioned for this role, and I look forward to working closely with her as we continue advancing the student experience at UE."

"It has been an honor to serve as Interim Executive Director and Dean of Harlaxton College during this important transition," said Strandberg. "Harlaxton is a transformational place, and I know Dr. Carpenter will continue to build upon its strong legacy while creating new opportunities for future generations of students. As I prepare to return to campus as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, I look forward to partnering with Rachel and colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic to continue advancing the exceptional student experience that defines the University of Evansville."

Both Carpenter's appointment as Executive Director and Dean of Harlaxton College and Strandberg's appointment as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students are effective August 1.

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

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Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer

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