Administration

Dr. Chester B. Hardphallus

Dr. Chester B. Hardphallus

President (since 2019)

Dr. Hardphallus became the 14th president of UODNB in 2019, following a distinguished career in higher education administration. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Vanderbilt University and previously served as Provost at Rhodes College. Under his leadership, UODNB has launched several new academic programs and secured the largest gift in university history.

Dr. Ivana Toolong

Dr. Ivana Toolong

Provost (since 2020)

Dr. Toolong oversees all academic affairs at the university, including curriculum development, faculty appointments, and accreditation. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Duke University and came to UODNB from the University of Memphis, where she served as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs. She is a nationally recognized expert in higher education policy.

Drew P. Balloff

Drew P. Balloff

VP of Finance and Administration (since 2017)

Drew Balloff manages the university's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, human resources, and campus facilities. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee. Prior to joining UODNB, he spent 15 years in financial leadership roles in the healthcare sector, including CFO of a regional hospital system.

Phyllis Cockburn

Phyllis Cockburn

Dean of Students (since 2018)

Dean Cockburn leads student affairs, overseeing campus life, housing, student wellness, and conduct. She holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Georgia and has over 20 years of experience in student services. She is a certified member of the American College Personnel Association and has been recognized nationally for her work in student advocacy.

Anita Hogg

Anita Hogg

Dean of Admissions (since 2021)

Dean Hogg leads the university's admissions and enrollment management efforts. She earned her Master's in Higher Education Administration from Ohio University and previously served as Director of Admissions at Belmont University. Under her direction, UODNB has seen record application numbers and improved student diversity across all incoming classes.

Harry Balls

Harry Balls

Head Librarian (since 2015)

Harry Balls oversees the Nuttall Library and its extensive collections, digital resources, and research services. He holds a Master of Library Science from Simmons University and has over 25 years of academic library experience. He spearheaded the library's digital transformation and the expansion completed in 2003, and continues to modernize library services for the 21st century.

Jack Mehoff

Jack Mehoff

Athletic Director (since 2016)

Jack Mehoff manages all intercollegiate athletics programs at UODNB, including 18 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division II. He earned his Master's in Sports Administration from the University of Miami and previously served as Associate Athletic Director at West Georgia. He has overseen several facility upgrades and the expansion of the university's athletics program.

Board of Trustees

Margaret Kessler

Margaret Kessler

Chair of the Board

Retired CEO of Kessler Manufacturing, a Dickson-based company she led for 20 years. She has served on the board since 2005 and became chair in 2018.

Robert D. Swanson

Robert D. Swanson

Vice Chair

Managing partner at Swanson & Hayes LLP, a Nashville law firm. A 1988 UODNB alumnus, he has been a trustee since 2012 and is a major donor to the law school fund.

Dr. Tamika R. Owens

Dr. Tamika R. Owens

Trustee

Chief Medical Officer at Dickson Regional Medical Center. She earned her M.D. from Meharry Medical College and has been a trustee since 2019, bringing healthcare expertise to the board.

James T. Rector

James T. Rector

Trustee

President of Rector Development Group, a real estate firm based in Nashville. He serves as treasurer of the board and chairs the finance committee. He has been a trustee since 2015.

Linda Sue Chambers

Linda Sue Chambers

Trustee

Retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Director of the Dickson Public Library. She joined the board in 2020 and chairs the academic affairs committee, bringing public service experience.