Ottawa, Kan. (March 22, 2024) – Ottawa University has named Dr. Chantell Wilson Link as the OU Online President. Dr. Link will begin her service on May 13, 2024.
“I am honored to serve the Ottawa University community,” says Dr. Link. “I’m enthused about the opportunity to contribute to OU’s ongoing program growth and academic success. Online education offers significant benefits, facilitating connections globally enhancing the student learning experience.”
Dr. Link brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, having served in various executive leadership roles in online education, academics, and student services. Her journey in higher education commenced at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, igniting her interest and dedication to fostering accessibility and opportunity for all learners. With a passion for innovation in online programming, Dr. Link has worked at some of the leading institutions in online education, having served as Assistant Vice President of Student Experience for Southern New Hampshire University, Kenzie and previously as the Director of Student Persistence and Academic Services at Western Governors University (WGU) where she was responsible for introducing peer-based academic supports, automated student achievement awards, chatbot outreach to increase student engagement, and the First Year Experience Initiative, to name a few.
“Chantell Link brings to OU Online a wealth of leadership experience at some of the largest players in online education, in community colleges, and in prominent HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities),” said Ottawa University Chancellor Bill Tsutsui. “Her deep background in enrollment management, student success and retention, online marketing, and program development will be invaluable in her new presidential role. Dr. Link impressed us all with her professionalism, commitment to collaboration and consensus-building, and specific strategies for future growth.”
Prior to WGU, Dr. Link served as the Assistant Provost for Academics and Executive Director of Texas Southern University (TSU) Online and was responsible for rebranding and expanding online programs and instructional support services for online students at TSU, increasing their online enrollments. Additionally, she has experience in the community college setting, having served at Lone Star College, one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing community college systems, in various roles including Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success, Vice President of the North Harris satellite campuses, and Executive Director of LSC-Online.
Committed to service, Dr. Link is passionate about community outreach and development, where she's actively involved with several organizations, including the Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of the Links and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and has served on various community boards, including Leadership Houston. She previously served as the Treasurer for the Texas Distance Learning Association (TxDLA).
Dr. Link is a native of Dallas, Texas, and is a Prairie View A&M University and Capella University graduate with degrees in counseling and psychology. She has also completed professional development with a certificate in Leadership in the Virtual World through the Harvard Extension School and completed her certificate for licensure in Mental Health Counseling with Lamar University.
Dr. Link is married with three children. Her husband works for the French-based oil and gas company TotalEnergies in their trading and shipping division in the downtown Houston location. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, visiting her son in Austin and close friends, and international travel with buddies in Miami.
OU Online serves the University's professional, graduate, and international students not located on one of the two residential campuses. Students complete their academic programs through online coursework, and/or at one of the University's adult campuses currently located in Overland Park, Kansas (opened in 1974) and Brookfield, Wisconsin (opened in 1992). OU Online drives innovation and revenue growth through the development and delivery of in-demand, career-focused programs and partnerships enabling the University to reach new and diverse student populations.