Graceland University Names Jared Doty, ’99 Vice President of Student Life

Graceland University Promotes Jared Doty ’99 to Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students

LAMONI, Iowa – Graceland University is excited to announce Jared Doty, MBA ’99 has been promoted to Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, bringing a robust background in the student experience, infectious energy, and decades of Graceland knowledge.

Doty’s understanding of Graceland’s rich campus life connects directly to his lived experience. During his undergraduate years Doty worked as a Hall Director. For more than 14 years afterwards, Doty served as Assistant Director of Housing, where he gained extensive experience in student conduct, residence life administration, Title IX investigations, crisis response management, housing operations, and campus facility planning.

In addition to his leadership roles in student affairs and residence life, Doty has experience in academic administration and entrepreneurial education. He teaches business and management courses in the C.H. Sandage School of Business, while also serving as Director of Enactus, and Director of the Sandage Center for the Study of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

His guidance as Director of Enactus has culminated in strengthening the Lamoni community through the implementation of a financial literacy program, the first electric car charging station, a commercial aeroponic garden, and guerilla-style marketing program to bring more awareness to the Lamoni community.

Doty also serves as the President of the Lamoni Development Corporation (LDC), where he manages the direct recruitment of financially lucrative new businesses, while ensuring the retention of current, local businesses.

In 2026, President Shrock asked Doty to serve as Interim Vice President of Student Life.

“Jared brings an exceptional combination of experience, institutional knowledge, and genuine commitment to our students and the Graceland community,” said President Joel Shrock. “His leadership as interim dean has already demonstrated his ability to build relationships, earn trust, and put students at the center of our work. Through his contributions to our School of Business, the Enactus program, and the broader Decatur County community, Jared has consistently shown what it means to develop transformational leaders. He understands Graceland, he understands our students, and he brings both the business acumen and the personal relationships necessary to lead this important work. Most importantly, he has already proven himself in this role, providing the continuity, stability, and thoughtful leadership that will serve our students and university well into the future.”

For Doty, the appointment reflects his passion for the development of future leaders, innovation in higher education, and building a strong campus community.

“The students are the heroes, not us!” Doty said. “They create what’s great about the Graceland experience Our goal is to give them the support and space.”

Graceland is eager to see Doty’s commitment and extensive Graceland knowledge continue to support its mission, values, and sense of community.