Chris Ice, Former President of Ave Maria University, Latest to Join WCC’s Board of Directors
At their most recent meeting in May, the Directors of Wyoming Catholic College elected Christopher Ice to their number, making him the fourth member to join the College’s governing board since President Washut took office in August, 2023.
“When I became President, I was grateful for the support, energy, and expertise of our Board,” says President Washut. “But at the same time, I recognized that adding to their number was an important tool in my efforts to increase the College’s influence and visibility in the world of Catholic higher education. Chris’s experience in leadership and educational administration makes him a wonderful addition to our Board, and his many connections in the Catholic world make him a powerful advocate for Wyoming Catholic College. I’m eager to work with him to continue to spread the word!”
Ice is equally excited. “I have followed Wyoming Catholic College since the day it opened,” he says, “and have always greatly appreciated the mission of the school, especially that they are authentically Catholic. When I met Dr. Washut last summer, I was impressed by his passion for the college, his vast knowledge of higher education, of the classical liberal arts tradition, and his high level of energy to make this school great. I am honored that he and the board of trustees have asked me to serve on this board, and I look forward to helping everyone achieve the bold vision established by Wyoming Catholic.”
Bill Sniffin, current Chairman of the College’s Board of Directors, echoes President Washut’s sentiments. “Chris is an important and timely addition to our Board,” he says. “The challenges young, small Catholic colleges face are unusual and daunting, and his past experience in that world makes him an especially great resource for us and for Kyle. I’m glad to see him join us, and I’m looking forward to working with him to make our college—Mary’s College!—the best it can be.”
Currently CEO and Founder of Ice Executive Coaching & Consulting, Chris has led numerous organizations in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. He has owned his own healthcare company, was CEO of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph and most recently, the President and CEO of Ave Maria University in Florida. He currently serves on the board for Young Catholic Professionals of Orlando, is the co-founder of the Business Department Advisory Board at Franciscan University of Steubenville and is a founding board member of the non-profit, Growth Through Grief, serving widowers throughout the world.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, KS, and later earned his MBA from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has shared his personal experiences in his newly published book, “Walking the Leadership Tightrope: How to Balance Career and Family through the Chaos of Crisis” and is a keynote speaker at many events throughout the country. (On a personal note, Chris still holds the NAIA Baseball Career Batting Average record with a .480 career average while in college. He is also the proud father of seven children and grandfather of three.)
