Our theological seminary does not exist for its own sake, but exists rather to serve and resource the church of Jesus Christ."
President Nicholas J. Willis, PhD
Dr. Nicholas J. Willis is president of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary. He brings more than two decades of experience in Christian higher education, combining academic leadership with strategic consulting to help faith-based institutions thrive.
Before joining Roberts and Northeastern Seminary, Dr. Willis served as a partner and consultant with TG Three, LLC, where he advised presidents, boards of trustees, and senior leadership teams at Christian colleges, universities, and seminaries across the country.
His work focused on institutional strategy, enrollment growth, financial sustainability, mission alignment, brand development, and organizational transformation, helping institutions navigate change while remaining rooted in their Christian mission.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Willis served in a variety of academic leadership roles, including professor, department chair, faculty senate president, and chief learning officer. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for building collaborative teams, strengthening organizational culture, and advancing student-centered, mission-driven education.
Grounded in the Free Methodist tradition, Dr. Willis is passionate about Christian higher education and preparing graduates to lead lives of faith, service, and purpose. He believes transformational education is shaped through meaningful relationships, academic excellence, and a shared commitment to Christ-centered learning.
Dr. Willis and his wife, Jillian, a Free Methodist pastor, have been married for 25 years and have three daughters: Lucy, Sadie, and Evelyn.
Board of Trustees
Chief Diversity Officer, Cayuga Health Systems, Ithaca, NY
Janet L. Balajthy
Senior Advisor and Consultant, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Pamela H. J. Braman
Superintendent, Genesis Conference Free Methodist Church USA
Rhonda K. Devan
CPA, Rasberry-Devan Consulting, Swannanoa NC
Melanie J. French
CPA, PC, Melanie French CPA, Buffalo, NY
Emerson U. Fullwood
Corporate Vice President, retired, Xerox
Julia P. Grimm
Dean, School of Natural & Social Sciences, Retired, Byron, NY
Timothy R. Harner
Chief Legal Officer, Retired, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc
Holly M. Hillberg
Executive Leadership Consultant
Rochester, NY
Paul A. Lysander '85
Cloud Solutions Architect, VMware Darrington, WA
Kevin W. Mannoia
Pastoral Coach & Consultant, Upland, CA
Justin Niebel '06
Manager, TSC-Data and Security-Vertical
Charter Communications
Rochester, NY
Deborah K. Schmidt '79,
Partner, retired Toji Trading Group LLC New Buffalo, MI
Wesley R. Skinner, Jr.
Chairman of the Board, Manth-Brownell, Inc. Retired
Nat Harrington '17
Owner/Founder, Nat's Nuts, Rochester, NY
Susanne M. Mohnkern '77
Dean, Roberts School of Nursing, retired, Rochester, NY
Michael D. Traylor (NES 2012)
Superintendent, The River Conference, Free Methodist Church USA, San Antonio, TX
Trustees Emeriti:
Lorne W. Jackson (2013)
Leighan R. Rinker (2024)
David B. RInker (2024)
Sonnette Bascoe, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor to the President for University Culture
Reporting directly to the President, Dr. Sonnette Bascoe will provide strategic direction to the University's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, giving direct attention to the institution's policies, practices, structures, climate, and culture. Through the design and facilitation of diversity initiatives, services, and resources, they will support staff, faculty, and administrators in advancing diversity, equity, and belonging in all aspects of the campus.
Dr. Bascoe will work collaboratively with the President and campus leaders, guiding initiatives to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all constituents, with a particular focus on academic offerings and continued campus education and training.
Dr. Bascoe serves as Assistant Professor of Psychology and has served on the Roberts Wesleyan Academic Diversity Committee, Task Force for Diversity Education and Change (Chair), Racism in Enrollment Advisory Council, and the Resource Group for Race and Ethnicity (Co-Chair). Dr. Bascoe also founded the Roberts Wesleyan Undergraduate-Graduate BIPOC Mentor Program.