Rocky Vista University Names Dr. Lori Werth as Next President
PARKER, CO – May 4, 2026. Following a nationwide search, Rocky Vista University (RVU) has appointed Dr. Lori Werth, PhD, as its next President, effective July 2026.
Dr. Werth brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, with a focus on academic innovation, faculty development, and student success. She most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Pikeville (Kentucky), where she led strategic growth initiatives and expanded academic programs across multiple disciplines, including healthcare and graduate education.
Throughout her career, Dr. Werth has advanced institutional excellence through collaborative leadership and a commitment to innovation. Her work has included developing new academic programs, fostering research initiatives in partnership with national organizations, and enhancing student outcomes through curriculum redesign and strategic planning.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Lori Werth as the next president of Rocky Vista University,” said Gaurov Dayal, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Medforth Global Healthcare Education and member of the Board of Trustees of RVU. “Her experienced leadership in healthcare professional education, her unwavering commitment to student achievement, and her dedication to institutional growth and innovation are a perfect match for RVU. We are confident she will guide Rocky Vista University to even greater success in the years to come.”
“The Trustees of Rocky Vista University are very excited to welcome Dr. Werth as the next President of RVU,” said Michele Chulick, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “The Board looks forward to working with Dr. Werth to position Rocky Vista University for our next chapter of growth, innovation, and inspiration, as well as focusing on achievements in academic success.”
Dr. Werth holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho, as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees in science-related fields. She is a recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award and has held leadership roles in national academic organizations.
She will officially assume her role in July and will begin visiting RVU campuses as part of the leadership transition.
About Rocky Vista University:
Rocky Vista University is a health sciences university with campuses in Colorado, Utah, and Montana that provides quality healthcare education while inspiring students to serve with compassion, integrity, and excellence. RVU works to advance healthcare through its programs in medicine and health sciences. For more information, visit https://www.rvu.edu.
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