JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With President Tim Cost on his way out, Jacksonville University is setting the stage for a new era by naming an interim leader to guide the institution.

Dr. Lisa Sutherland, a seasoned member of the university’s community, has been chosen by the Board of Trustees to serve as interim president starting July 1, 2026.

She will succeed President Tim Cost, who is moving into the position of JU chancellor after a 14-year tenure as president.

“We are fortunate to have Dr. Sutherland at the helm during this transitional period,” stated John Miller, Chair of the Jacksonville University Board. “Her academic prowess and executive acumen, coupled with her proven leadership within JU, make her an ideal candidate to provide the strategic direction and stability the university requires.”

Dr. Sutherland joined JU in 2023, and currently serves as the executive director of the new Cost Honors College and interim dean of the Davis College of Business.

Prior to her time with JU, a JU spokesperson says Sutherland was a faulty member with the University of North Carolina and Dartmouth College. She also has extensive experience in the private sector and corporate strategy. She is the founder of the Sutherland Group, LLC,  a global consulting firm that provided strategic leadership to major brands including Walmart, and also served in a senior executive role at the Kellogg Company.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me,” said Dr. Sutherland. “Jacksonville University is a remarkable institution and our strength lies in its students, faculty, and staff — all united by a shared drive to shape the future. Together, we’ll build on our strong foundation, advance our strategic goals, and ensure every student experiences the life-changing education that defines JU.”

The Board of Trustees plans to conduct a national search in spring 2026 to identify a permanent president for the school.