David Pollick

David Pollick has nearly four decades of experience in education, and has spent more than 30 years as a leader of higher education institutions. He holds a Ph.D., Ph.L., Master’s, and Bachelor’s in Philosophy, and today leverages his knowledge of academics, moral leadership, finances, long-term growth initiatives, and branding, as Senior Advisor to the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). In this position David Pollick leads CIC in its effort to support the leaders of approximately 600 private colleges and improve institution performance. He oversees the College Success Awards Program, which supports the advancement of services and opportunities for first generation university students. David Pollick also manages colloquia and online seminars that explore and implement models of success for this demographic. Additionally, he supervises the American Graduate Fellowship Program. The Program funds and supports outstanding liberal arts graduates through their doctoral studies at one of 23 universities located in America, Britain, and Ireland.

Prior to joining CIC, David Pollick held a series of senior posts at liberal arts institutions. He was President of Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham Alabama, President of Lebanon Valley College in Annville Pennsylvania, and Co-Chief Executive Officer and President of the Art Institute of Chicago. As head of Birmingham-Southern College for more than five years, Pollick implemented numerous positive changes. He re-crafted the admissions process to boost enrollment and introduced expanded course options in Media and Film Studies, Urban and Environmental Studies, and International Business. Furthermore, he was involved with several architectural projects, including new student housing units, a sports stadium, and an urban environmental park. He was successful in moving the institution's athletic programs from DI to DIII, which resulted in a 15 percent reduction in the college's overall annual budget. Pollick received national recognition when three students burned down nine Alabama churches and he immediately committed to the rebuilding of each of them, which was accomplished in two years. Congressman Artur Davis presented Alabama's Pathfinder Award to Pollick for his moral leadership to the citizens of Alabama.