Dr.Christopher R.L. Blake, President
Dr. Christopher R.L. Blake began his duties as Mount Mercy’s eighth president in July 2006. Before coming to Mount Mercy, Blake served as provost of Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Blake received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in theology from the University of Oxford, Keble College. He received his Ph.D. in education from the University of London, King’s College. He is a member of the American Educational Research Association, American Association of University Professors, University of Oxford Alumni Association of the United States, Pi Lamba Theta International Honor Society in Education and Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in education.
Dr. Melody Graham, Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Graham has been with Mount Mercy since 1991. Her many leadership roles and accomplishments include serving as department Chair in 1997- 2002 and serving twice as social science division chair. She was appointed director of academic assessment in 2000, held the Feld Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellent in 2006 – 08, and was appointed dean of graduate studies in 2007, where she oversees Mount Mercy’s graduate programs in business, education, nursing and marriage and family therapy. She holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts from Claremont Graduate University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Barbara Parks Pooley, Vice President for Finance and Business Operations
Barbara Parks Pooley was an assistant professor of accounting at Mount Mercy from 1984-2006 prior to being appointed Vice President for Finance on July 1, 2006. Pooley is a Certified Public Accountant and worked in public accounting for two years before beginning her teaching career at Mount Mercy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Simpson College and a Master of Arts in accounting from the University of Iowa.
Dr. Sue Oatey, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Life
Dr. Jennifer “Sue” Oatey joined Mount Mercy as vice president for enrollment and student life in August 2008. As part of her role in directing the Enrollment and Student Life Division, Oatey oversees admissions, financial aid, residence life, health & wellness programs, public safety, athletics, and student activities and orientation. Oatey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from New Mexico State University. She earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with an emphasis in Physical Education in 1973 from New Mexico State University, and holds a Ph.D. in Education with a special emphasis in Recreation, Park, and Leisure Studies, which she achieved in 1981 from the University of Minnesota.
Dianne Austad '84, Executive Assistant to the President
Dianne Austad joined Mount Mercy in 1975 and has worked with four of Mount Mercy’s eight presidents. She has served as the executive assistant to three Mount Mercy Presidents, including Dr. Thomas Feld (1977-1999), Dr. Robert Pearce (1999-2006) and the current president, Dr. Christopher Blake. She serves as staff secretary to the Board of Trustees and oversees the offices of Human Resources and Institutional Events. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the College in 1984 and is a past president of the Alumni Association. Austad was instrumental in the creation and publication of Courage and Change, a landmark book about the Sisters of Mercy and their efforts to create what is present-day Mount Mercy University.
Duff Ridgeway, Vice President for Development
Duff serves as Vice President for Development at Mount Mercy University. He currently oversees the 11-member team in the Office of Alumni and Development, campaign, development, alumni, annual fund and grant-writing operations. Specializing in team building and leadership fundraising, Duff received his BA from Wartburg College and is currently pursuing his MA in Philanthropy at the University of Northern Iowa.
