Apr. 08, 2025
South College has hired Dr. Danielle Kwasnik, who has extensive experience in higher education, for the executive leadership role of chief academic officer.
As chief academic officer, Kwasnik will oversee educational operations for students across South College, which includes 10 campuses as well as online and Competency Based Education programs. She also becomes the key representative for faculty members within the administration. She previously served as president of the South College Asheville campus.
“Dr. Kwasnik brings experience and immeasurable passion for higher education,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “Her leadership of the Asheville campus was exemplary, and we know she will thrive in the role of chief academic officer and provide even more pathways to success across the South College footprint.”
Kwasnik also served as dean of academic and student services at the institution’s Atlanta campus and has served in administrator and associate professor roles in post-secondary education for more than 25 years.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, political science and psychology from Gardner-Webb University and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree and a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
“I want to thank South College for the opportunities it has provided to me in higher education, and I am ready to listen, learn and make a difference for all of our faculty and students,” Kwasnik said. “I also look forward to becoming part of the Knoxville community and getting to know a new city and its leaders.”
During her time working at NSU, she coordinated and directed a high school business and entrepreneurship created by Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s restaurants; coordinated a collaborative educational product with the FBI; developed and taught a multitude of courses; and served as a dissertation chair and committee member. Kwasnik also sought advancement initiatives to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
South College offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE.
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 15,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Marietta, Georgia; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
