President's Staff | Saint Leo University

Jim Burkee, Ph.D.

President

Dr. Jim Burkee became the 12th President of Saint Leo University in 2025, following three and a half transformative years as President of Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. At Avila, he led one of the most remarkable growth periods in higher education, tripling enrollment and guiding the institution from deficit to surplus. His leadership, rooted in a commitment to mission and innovation, emphasized building partnerships across industry, the Catholic community, and the region — efforts that generated thousands of new enrollments and millions of dollars in philanthropic support.

Prior to his presidency at Avila, Dr. Burkee served as Vice President at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in New York City. He is also a Professor of History, specializing in American politics and religion, and the award-winning author of Power, Politics, and the Missouri Synod: A Conflict that Changed American Christianity. He earned his Ph.D. in History from Northwestern University.

Dr. Burkee and his wife, Hanen, are known for their practice of radical hospitality, welcoming every freshman and transfer student into their home for dinner — a tradition that reflects their shared belief in the power of community. Outside of his professional role, he enjoys reading, sports, hiking, international travel, and riding his motorcycle.

Bryan DePoy, D.M.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Bryan DePoy serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Saint Leo University. A strategic and future-focused higher education leader, he brings extensive experience advancing academic innovation, institutional planning, and student success.

Previously, as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Avila University, he helped launch a new location in Goodyear, Arizona, expanding access to STEM-based graduate programs. He led the creation of the SwiftPace three-year degree pathway and the nation’s first Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Management (HEAAM) Certificate. Collaborating across campus, he also supported a Bridge Program that achieved a 100% first-to-second-year retention rate.

Earlier, Dr. DePoy served as Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives at Russell Sage College, expanding academic offerings, moving graduate programs online, and strengthening industry partnerships. His prior leadership roles include Provost at Lake Erie College, Dean of the College of Creative Arts & Communication, and Associate Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at Youngstown State University.

He is a Team Chair and Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and a Peer Evaluator for MSCHE. A classically trained trumpet player, he previously performed with the Louisiana Philharmonic, New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, and touring Broadway shows. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, coffee roasting, hiking, camping, and backcountry backpacking.

James DeTuccio ’07

Chief Operating Officer
Chief Financial Officer
james.detuccio@saintleo.edu

James DeTuccio joined Saint Leo University in January 2008 as University Controller and has since served in roles of increasing leadership and responsibility. He currently serves as Chief Financal Officer and Chief Operating Officer, providing executive leadership for the university’s financial operations, fiscal stewardship, and institutional financial strategy.

During a period of organizational transition, James served as Interim Vice President of Business Affairs from December 2017 through June 2018, overseeing enterprise financial and administrative functions. He also led the effort to secure Saint Leo University’s first-ever public bond rating and bond issuance, which helped finance a portion of the university’s Wellness Center and strengthened the institution’s long-term financial position.

Prior to joining Saint Leo University, James held progressive roles in accounting, finance, and public accounting, including positions with Kforce, St. Joseph’s Hospital (part of BayCare Health System), and the public accounting firm Carter, Belcourt & Atkinson.

James holds a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Florida State University. He has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the State of Florida since February 2000.

Jamison Kravcak

Vice President Marketing and Business Development
jamison.kravcak@saintleo.edu

Jamison (Jamie) Kravcak is a senior enrollment, marketing, and growth executive with more than 20 years of experience spanning nonprofit and for-profit higher education. He currently serves as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for the Lionova Institute at Saint Leo University, where he provides executive leadership for enrollment marketing strategy, media and digital media strategy, strategic partnerships, and growth initiatives supporting both new and existing academic programs.

Previously, Jamie served as Chief Operating Officer at Synergis Education, where he led enterprise operations and enrollment strategy across 10 university partnerships and supported the successful preparation of more than 5,000 nursing program graduates. His career also includes senior leadership roles with the Institute for Professional Development, Gwynedd Mercy University, and Wiley University Services (now Risepoint), where he drove revenue growth, enrollment optimization, and scalable marketing operations.

In addition to his higher education leadership, Jamie is the owner of Thoroughbred Baseball Academy, reflecting a strong commitment to leadership development, mentorship, performance coaching, and community engagement. His areas of expertise include enrollment growth strategy, media and digital media execution, CRM strategy and implementation, strategic partnership development, data-informed decision-making, and scalable growth execution.

Arthur Monger

Vice President of Operations, Lionova Institute
arthur.monger@saintleo.edu

Arthur (Art) Monger is a senior operations and finance executive with more than two decades of experience leading complex higher education organizations through growth, transformation, and operational scale. He serves as Vice President of Operations for the Lionova Institute at Saint Leo University, where he provides enterprise-wide leadership across finance, technology, enrollment operations, and institutional reporting.

In this role, Art is responsible for building and sustaining the financial and operational infrastructure that supports online and education center programs, ensuring strong alignment between strategic priorities, fiscal stewardship, governance, and performance outcomes. His leadership emphasizes financial discipline, operational efficiency, systems integration, and data-informed decision-making in support of long-term institutional performance.

Previously, Art held executive leadership roles at Synergis Education, Helix Education, and the Institute for Professional Development, where he led enterprise forecasting, CRM and systems optimization, enrollment operations, and strategic planning initiatives. His work consistently delivered measurable improvements in revenue performance, operational effectiveness, compliance, and organizational transparency.

Known for a disciplined, detail-oriented leadership approach, Art brings deep expertise in controllership, audits, budget development, policy and regulatory compliance, risk management, and cross-functional team leadership.

Steven Carroll

Chief Information Officer
Interim Vice President Business Affairs
steven.carroll@saintleo.edu

Steven Carroll serves as Interim Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Information Officer at Saint Leo University, providing executive leadership for enterprise technology, business operations, and digital transformation strategy in support of the university’s academic mission, financial sustainability, and institutional effectiveness.

With more than 20 years of higher education executive leadership experience, Steven oversees information technology, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, facilities management, campus safety, and auxiliary services. His leadership focuses on strategic planning, operational governance, risk management, systems modernization, cybersecurity resilience, data-informed decision-making, and scalable automation to enhance student success and organizational performance.

Steven holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University. He maintains advanced professional certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), underscoring his expertise in information security leadership, cloud governance, enterprise risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Curtis Burton

Vice President of Student Affairs
Curtis.Burton@saintleo.edu

Curtis Burton is a senior higher education executive with extensive experience in student affairs leadership, enrollment strategy, and mission-driven institutional transformation across public and private institutions. He currently serves as Vice President of Student Affairs at Saint Leo University, where he provides executive leadership for a comprehensive portfolio. In this role, Curtis advances student success, fosters inclusive and engaged learning communities, and integrates Saint Leo’s mission and core values into the holistic student experience.

Immediately prior to joining Saint Leo University, Curtis served as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Avila University. In this role, he provided executive oversight for enrollment strategy and student affairs while also overseeing athletics, facilities, and campus operations. During his tenure, Curtis led large-scale organizational change efforts, strengthened cross-divisional alignment, supported major capital and infrastructure initiatives, and partnered closely with senior leadership and the Board of Trustees to advance institutional sustainability and student success.

Earlier in his career, Curtis held leadership roles including Dean of Students at Lincoln University of Missouri, as well as positions in housing and residence life and student engagement at Southeast Missouri State University and The University of Toledo.

Curtis is known for his strategic, student-centered leadership approach, with particular expertise in organizational culture, crisis management, compliance, leadership development, and complex operations. He has overseen federally funded TRIO, Title III, and Violence Against Women Act grants; led campus-wide belonging initiatives; and worked closely with presidents, boards, and senior leadership teams to drive institutional effectiveness and long-term impact.

Brent Benner

Interim Vice President of Campus Enrollment
Brent.Benner@saintleo.edu

Brent Benner joined Saint Leo University in February 2026 as Vice President of Campus Enrollment, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in enrollment management, admissions strategy, and student recruitment.

Brent most recently served as an independent enrollment and athletics consultant, including a role as Interim Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment at Neumann University, where he supported enrollment strategy and operational execution. Prior to consulting, he spent two decades at University of Tampa, retiring as Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management after leading sustained undergraduate growth and strategic enrollment initiatives.

Before transitioning fully into higher education leadership, Brent was the founder and president of Benner & Aló, a firm focused on education and career counseling for professional athletes. He has advised hundreds of athletes across major professional leagues and developed career transition programs for organizations including NFL teams and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

A recognized thought leader in enrollment strategy and student access, Brent has presented at national conferences on topics including minority recruitment, STEM pipeline development, financial aid strategy, college affordability, and athlete career transitions.

Stephen Kubasek ’08, ’12, ’17

Vice President of University Advancement
stephen.kubasek@saintleo.edu

Dr. Stephen Kubasek joined Saint Leo University in 2010 as a member of the University Advancement Division and has since served in roles of increasing leadership and responsibility. He currently serves as Vice President of University Advancement, providing strategic leadership for advancement operations, fundraising support, and institutional engagement initiatives.

Dr. Kubasek holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Saint Leo University. His academic background supports a leadership approach grounded in strategic planning, donor engagement, data-informed advancement strategy, and organizational effectiveness.

During his tenure at Saint Leo University, Dr. Kubasek has held multiple progressively responsible roles within Advancement, including Director of Parent Relations, Development Officer, Director of Advancement Services and Planned Giving, and Associate Vice President of University Advancement. His career reflects deep expertise in fundraising operations, donor relations, advancement services, planned giving, and cross-functional leadership in support of the university’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Marcal Lazenby

Vice President of Athletics, Recreation & Wellness
marcal.lazenby@saintleo.edu

Marcal Lazenby joined Saint Leo University in August 2017 as Director of NCAA Compliance and currently provides executive oversight for Athletics, Wellness, and Recreation. In this role, he is responsible for strategic leadership, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness across the university’s athletics and recreation programs.

Since joining Saint Leo, Marcal has advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations. In that capacity, he provided comprehensive oversight of NCAA compliance, athletic communications, facilities management, ticketing, concessions, merchandising, and sponsorships, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, conference standards, and NCAA regulations.

Prior to Saint Leo, Marcal served as Director of Athletics at Glenville State University, where he led a Division II athletics program and supported broader institutional initiatives. His earlier roles at Glenville State included Assistant to the President, President’s Office Administrator, Director of the College Completion Center, and Director of Compliance, reflecting a strong background in athletics governance, student success, and executive administration.

Marcal earned his bachelor’s degree from Glenville State University and was a four-year member of the university’s football team, an experience that continues to inform his student-athlete-centered leadership approach.

Contact

Office of the President:
PresidentsOffice@saintleo.edu