Dr. Cady Short-Thompson
“I am ecstatic to return home to NKU, where my professional journey began, and to give back to the people and place that invested so fully in me.
NKU’s values of excellence, engagement, student-centeredness, and belonging are deep in me and I am eager to serve alongside NKU’s talented faculty, staff, students, and alumni to lead this great institution forward. I love NKU and believe that it is entirely fitting that my first and final positions will be here.”
Cady Short-Thompson, Ph.D. most recently served as the CEO/Executive Director of Breakthrough Cincinnati, an educational equity nonprofit organization serving high need, high potential middle and high school students to prepare them for college and career success, as well as inspiring future educators. Previously, Dr. Short-Thompson enjoyed 25 years in higher education as an award-winning professor and successful academic leader. She served as Provost at Hope College from 2017-2021 where she nurtured high-quality academic programs and services, modernized processes, grew resources, improved accreditation compliance, and more. From 2010-2017, Dr. Short-Thompson served as Dean of the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College where she built and led a motivated team to re-envision the college, rename and rebrand it, and build a student-centered, inclusive, and student success-oriented culture. She served as the elected Chair of UC’s Council of Deans, Chair of the UC’s Diversity Council, and Chair of the state’s Inter University Council Regional Dean’s Council, in addition to countless other UC committees.
From 1996-2010, Dr. Short-Thompson served Northern Kentucky University as professor of communication, graduate program director, and department chair. She was honored as the Frank Sinton Milburn Outstanding Professor which honors excellence in teaching, research, and service. At NKU, she developed a love of scholarly teaching, a passion for student access and success, and a deep sense of student-centeredness. A published scholar, her expertise in political communication crosses the disciplines of communication, political science, and marketing. Dr. Short-Thompson earned her BA (1991), MA (1992), and Ph.D .(1997) from the University of Cincinnati. A nearly lifelong Cincinnatian, she is delighted to lead NKU, surrounded by her large family and friends. Dr. Short-Thompson and her husband of 32 years, Steve Thompson, have three children in college.
Make a Donation to the Cady Short-Thompson Presidential Scholarship
Northern Kentucky University's 7th president, Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, is establishing the Cady Short-Thompson Presidential Scholarship to EXCELerate NKU student success. This scholarship is poised to empower our students to thrive in their studies, hone their professional skills and prepare them for fulfilling careers that will make a lasting impact on their communities and our region.
A Proud History
Founded more than 55 years ago by determined community leaders and guided to uncommon success over that time by six entrepreneurial presidents.
A Dynamic Region
NKU is minutes away from Cincinnati, a growing metropolitan area that is home to 10 Fortune 1000 companies, best-in-class hospitals, and world-class art programs.
Meet Our President
