Ann Marie Klotz, Ph.D., Named Fifth President in Pacifica’s 50-Year History
As Pacifica Graduate Institute celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Institute proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Ann Marie Klotz as its fifth President.
A nationally respected higher education leader, scholar, strategist, and advocate for transformational education, Dr. Klotz brings more than two decades of leadership experience in enrollment management, student success, fundraising, organizational transformation, and strategic planning. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to expanding access to education, strengthening mission-driven institutions, and empowering students and communities to lead lives of meaning, purpose, and impact.
Dr. Klotz’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment in Pacifica’s evolution as the Institute expands access to its distinctive educational mission through innovative online and hybrid learning models and advances the application of depth psychology to the pressing cultural, social, ecological, and leadership challenges of the 21st century. Her experience and mission-centered leadership aligns closely with Pacifica’s vision for its next fifty years.
“Pacifica has always been a place where scholarship and soul meet in meaningful ways. As we welcome Dr. Klotz, the Board is excited for a future that honors our extraordinary history while embracing new opportunities for expanded impact. We are confident this next chapter will continue to serve students and the broader community with depth, integrity and purpose,” said Nancy Furlotti, Board Chair.
Dr. Klotz most recently served as Vice President for Development, Enrollment, and Student Success at Naropa University, where she provided executive leadership for recruitment, retention, fundraising, and student success initiatives. During her tenure, the university increased enrollment by 30 percent over three years, significantly improved student retention, doubled annual fundraising totals from $2 million to $4 million, and successfully launched a university-wide 50th Anniversary campaign.
Through her senior leader roles at The New School, Radford University, and the New York Institute of Technology, Dr. Klotz developed extensive expertise in crisis management, global campus operations, and institutional growth across both public and private universities.
“Education has the power not only to transform careers, but also to improve and enhance our communities,” said Dr. Klotz. “Pacifica’s commitment to depth psychology, creativity, and human development speaks to what the world most needs right now. I am honored to join this extraordinary community and look forward to helping steward Pacifica’s next chapter with humility, courage, and care.”
A first-generation college student originally from Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Klotz earned her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, master’s degrees from Michigan State University and DePaul University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies and Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Her doctoral research focused on the leadership trajectories and leadership styles of female university presidents.
Dr. Thyonne Gordon, Interim President, reflected on the transition saying, “Leadership is never simply about preserving an institution but, preparing it for its next chapter. I am proud of the work we have done in the interim to strengthen Pacifica’s foundation and am confident that under Dr. Klotz’s leadership, Pacifica will continue to evolve with courage, vision and deep care for the community it serves.”
Dr. Klotz will be inaugurated in January 2027 as part of Pacifica Graduate Institute’s year-long 50th Anniversary celebration, honoring five decades of scholarship, creativity, and transformative education while marking the beginning of a new chapter of innovation, global engagement, and expanded impact for the Institute’s next fifty years.
Details about an upcoming Meet the President Town Hall for the entire Pacifica community will be announced soon.
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Ann Marie Klotz, Ph.D., is a veteran higher education leader with more than twenty years of experience helping students, institutions, and communities thrive. Her work focuses on expanding educational opportunity, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and creating pathways for individuals to build lives of meaning, purpose, and impact.
Dr. Klotz is recognized for her expertise in leadership development, enrollment management, organizational transformation and team development. In particular, her ability to unite stakeholders around shared goals, cultivates effective teams.
A first-generation college student, Dr. Klotz earned her B.A. from Grand Valley State University; M.A. degrees from Michigan State University and DePaul University; and received her Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies and Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Her doctoral research examined the career trajectories and leadership styles of female university presidents.
Her professional experience includes senior leadership roles at Naropa University, The New School, Radford University, and the New York Institute of Technology.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Klotz has lived and worked in communities across the United States and brings a lifelong commitment to educational access, leadership development, and student success. Her professional and research interests include women’s career development, professional staff recruitment, online community building, and organizational capacity-building. She is also an active supporter of the arts and lifelong wellness initiatives.
