Peter Holbrook, Ph.D.

Peter J. Holbrook, Ph.D. is a visionary, values-based leader, adept at building strong working relationships and networks to leverage the talents of others to strategically and operationally achieve sustainable results. As Provost and Chief Operating Officer for Tiffin University, Holbrook brings more than 30 years of experience in organizational leadership, change management, teaching, leadership training, board development, fundraising, program development, assessment and evaluation, and strategic planning. Prior to joining Tiffin University, Holbrook was President and CEO of Cream City Foundation, Milwaukee Wisconsin and Dean of the College of Business and Management, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Holbrook is serving as Tiffin University’s first Provost, a role that brings into focus his ability to lead transformative change through shared vision, leadership, decision-making and governance. Holbrook’s emphasis has been on driving student success through excellence and continuous improvement leading to the development of signature programs that are distinctive to Tiffin University, while meeting the educational needs of students and employers. Focused on the future of teaching and learning, he is overseeing the adoption of alternative credentials and micro-learning initiatives across multiple modalities, including credit and non-credit programs.

During his tenure at Stritch, Dr. Holbrook served in a number of key leadership roles that positively impacted the fundraising, public relations, enrollment and academic initiatives of the university, including holding the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Leadership Center. Early in his tenure, he successfully led the process to attain university status. As Dean of the College of Business and Management, he provided strategic leadership and insights for all academic programs within the college. He successfully guided a multi-year change process that resulted in reaffirmation of the College’s ACBSP Accreditation, renewal and growth of academic programs while reestablishing faculty-shared governance, nearly tripled the number of full-time faculty lines in support of quality teaching and learning in the classroom.

Holbrook has taught at the doctorate and undergraduate level at Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is a researcher, published writer and speaker on leadership and change management, with emphasis on Franciscan, servant and transformational leadership. His current research interests include exploring the intersection of leadership capacity with innovation and change. Additional areas of expertise include diversity and inclusion, with a focus on inclusive leadership and cultural intelligence.

Holbrook has experience with designing and facilitating leadership development programs and trainings for numerous for- and non-profit organizations in Southeastern Wisconsin. He is a trained facilitator and coach in Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and Compression Planning. In addition, he has led and facilitated strategic planning sessions for local organizations in Wisconsin, including the Medical College of Wisconsin and is a member of numerous professional organizations.

Holbrook has volunteered with several local and national nonprofits in Southeastern Wisconsin and Seneca County, Ohio, including service as Chair Elect of the Board of Directors of the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Services, Commissioner and Vice Chair for the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging, the Board of Directors for Diverse and Resilient in Milwaukee, and Milwaukee Public Television Vision 2057 Task Force.

Dr. Holbrook holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies and a Master of Science in Management from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.