Academic Vision

Most recently, Fort served as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, where she led major initiatives in student retention, program development, accreditation, and rural student access, managing over $6 million in grants to support these efforts. Her commitment to student-centered education, academic innovation, and inclusive excellence aligns powerfully with Graceland’s mission.

“Academic Affairs has always been the heart of the university for me — it’s where mission meets action. Having spent much of my own career in this role, both at Graceland and other institutions, I understand how critical it is to have leaders who can navigate change while staying grounded in purpose. Dr. Fort brings an incredible depth of experience in student success, program development, and inclusive academic leadership. Her passion for rural access and her proven ability to build strong teams make her an ideal fit for Graceland as we look to the future.”

JOEL SHROCK, PhD
President

As she began to look for her next opportunity, Graceland stood out as the right fit to Fort: “It was a small, private, faith-based institution with a strong sense of community and purpose. Its location in the Midwest also resonated with me, as I was looking for a setting where I could make a meaningful impact in a close-knit environment. Graceland checked all the right boxes and felt like a natural next chapter.”

As the academic leader of the institution, Fort looks to carry on the work started by President Joel Shrock when he was in the role, especially in the areas of student success and retention. Add rural access to the mix and she will have her hands full, but her experience suggests she is ready to meet the challenge. Each area is deeply connected and plays a critical role in the success of Graceland students and the institution as a whole. Fort shared her excitement, “I’m particularly excited to explore how we can build on Graceland’s existing strengths to create even more inclusive pathways for rural and underserved students, while continuing to innovate around student support and retention strategies. These efforts not only reflect my passion but are also central to our mission.”

Fort is particularly energized to focus on retention, sharing:

“I want every student to not only choose Graceland but to feel deeply connected to the experience, and to proudly earn their degree here. Despite working on campus for only a few weeks [at the time of this interview], it is obvious that Graceland is a special place, and I’m passionate about helping students recognize that from day one and supporting them every step of the way to graduation.”

JILL FORT, PhD
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Faculty

Dean of the Graceland School of Nursing Sharon Little-Stoetzel, PhD, looks forward to working with Dr. Fort as the academic leader. She said, “I’m particularly enthusiastic about the experience Dr. Fort brings from leading at a similarly sized institution. She understands the unique dynamics of a university like Graceland, and her thoughtful engagement during the interview process reflected a strong alignment with our mission and a clear commitment to student success.”

Her leadership style is rooted in servant leadership. “I believe in leading by example — I’ll never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” she said. She also aims to be highly collaborative and team-oriented, valuing engaging with others to spark innovation and drive progress together.

It remains to be seen how many members of the faculty join her for her pursuits of physical challenges. “People are often surprised by how much I enjoy challenging myself and seeing what’s possible when I commit to a goal,” she says, having completed several half-marathons, countless 5ks, 100+-mile bike rides, even completing a full marathon in rollerblades! “It’s not just about physical health and fitness,” Fort claims. “It’s about discipline, resilience, and the belief that with the right mindset, you can go farther than you think.”

Good advice, both in physical challenges and for the work she faces at Graceland, which includes next year’s 10-year accreditation visit from the Higher Learning Commission, a big milestone for the University.

She will have help along the way, not only as President Shrock mentors her into the role he inhabited for two years, but also from an internal Gracelander, who was recently elevated as part of the Academic Affairs team.

Rev. Dr. Zac Harmon-McLaughlin ’08

Around the same time Fort’s hiring was announced, the University also released that it was investing in internal talent by promoting Rev. Dr. Zac Harmon-McLaughlin ’08 to serve as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs while continuing his work as Dean of the Seminary. A proud Graceland graduate, Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin has led the Seminary through a period of growth and transformation, launching a new graduate program — the Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation — and creating the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission. In his new role, he will assist Dr. Fort in providing leadership across budgeting, program development, faculty mentorship, accreditation, and strategic planning efforts.

Harmon-McLaughlin sees his new role as an opportunity to bridge innovative thinking with operational strategy, to empower faculty, and to ensure our academic programs are both mission-aligned and future-ready.

“This role is a natural progression of the work I’ve been doing — building transformative learning experiences that don’t just serve a student’s vocational goals but shape them as change-makers for the world. For me, it’s about stewarding Graceland’s emerging future with integrity, collaboration, and creativity.”

ZAC HARMON-McLAUGHLIN, DMin
Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dean, Community of Christ Seminary

Dr. Fort immediately got to work on creating a foundation for collaboration and a culture shift toward bold and strategic academic innovation. “Jill brings a visionary clarity and a deep commitment to institutional health, and I’m excited to work with her on building systems that support experimentation, faculty development, and data-informed decision-making. I think we complement each other well — she brings the scaffolding, and I bring the provocation,” Harmon-McLaughlin shared.

President Shrock said about Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin’s appointment, “I’m thrilled that Zac has stepped into the new role of Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. He brings a powerful combination of institutional knowledge and creative leadership — qualities that have already transformed our Seminary through initiatives like the Center for Innovation in Ministry and Mission. His insight and integrity will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Graceland’s academic offerings and support our faculty in delivering meaningful, mission-driven education.”

Together, Dr. Fort and Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin will help shape the academic direction of the university — building on the strong foundation already in place and embracing the opportunities ahead.