Wyatt appointed as ICC new chief academic officer
By: Mike Gavin
Published: November 04, 2026
SPINDALE (Nov. 3, 2026) — Isothermal Community College has appointed Dr. Jennifer L. “Jeni” Wyatt as vice president of Student Success and chief academic officer. Wyatt will begin her new role Jan. 4, 2027.
Wyatt currently serves as assistant provost for Undergraduate Education at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, where she provides executive leadership for academic advising, general education, international education and the Registrar’s Office. She also oversees academic policy development, curriculum governance and initiatives designed to improve student success.
“Dr. Wyatt brings an exceptional combination of academic leadership, student success expertise and a deep commitment to removing barriers to education,” said Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Isothermal’s president. “Her experience across universities and community colleges, coupled with her student-centered philosophy, makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are excited to welcome Jeni to Isothermal as we continue working to improve life through learning.”
Before joining Lenoir-Rhyne in 2022, Wyatt spent nearly 20 years at Appalachian State University, where she served as senior director of Transfer Admissions and Engagement and director of the College Advising and Support Services Hub in the College of Arts and Sciences. In the latter role, she oversaw advising, records and curriculum for nearly 6,300 students across 16 departments.
Wyatt previously served as dean of Academic Affairs at South College in Asheville and began her career teaching adult basic skills and working in community colleges.
A first-generation college student, Wyatt has spent three decades working to improve student outcomes through institutional policies, curriculum and operational improvements. Her professional focus centers on the belief that institutional systems, rather than student motivation, are often the greatest barriers to degree completion.
Wyatt earned a Doctor of Education in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. She also holds a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Western Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNC Asheville.
She and her partner, Jay Jackson, a retired university music educator and administrator, live in Hickory. Wyatt is the mother of two daughters and grandmother of one.
Isothermal Community College serves Rutherford and Polk counties in western North Carolina. The college’s mission is to improve life through learning.