Staff - About Us - Foundation for Independent Higher Education

Prior to his appointment as Acting President, Dr. Christopherson served for nineteen-years as President of Dana College, in Blair, NE. Under his leadership, the college’s full-time enrollment grew by over 60%, and its endowment increased nearly ten-fold. During his tenure, gifts to the Dana College surpassed $100 million and the academic programming was strengthened and diversified. Following retirement, he served as the founding president of the Dana College Foundation created to help the college develop their endowment.

Additionally, during his presidency, Dana College expanded international connections with several countries, most notably with Denmark. These efforts created opportunities for cultural exchange, collaborative programming, travel and study abroad for both students and faculty. For his leadership in strengthening ties with Denmark, her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark awarded Dr. Christopherson the distinguished Knight of Dannebrog Cross, and upon his retirement named him a Knight of Dannebrog First Class.

With a history of serving on a variety of national, state and church-related boards, Dr. Christopherson has been a member of the board of directors of FIHE and served as chair of the Nebraska Independent College Foundation. Since his retirement from Dana College, he served as a Fellow for the national foundation. “Myrv Christopherson has long been associated with FIHE and brings to this time of transition an exceptional understanding of our work and service,” said James H. Austgen, chair of the FIHE board. “We are grateful for his willingness to take the helm at this important juncture.”

Jacalyn Cox began her association with the Foundation for Higher Education (FIHE) in the fall of 2007 working as a consultant preparing proposal packets, developing collaboration public relations materials, preparing for the annual meeting and organizing foundation records. In March 2008 Jacalyn joined the staff as program manager.

As the program manager she will focus her energy on the management and administration of our National Venture Fund and scholarship programs. Additionally, her duties will encompass “Telling Our Story” and supporting the efforts of the membership and fundraising committees. Jacalyn brings to our organization a wealth of experience in public relations, business management, meeting planning and financial management. In previous positions, she has served as director of operations for an educational association, and director of marketing for architectural and building firms.

Jacalyn is a graduate of the George Washington University with a degree in education and dance. Her background also includes operating her own dance exercise studio, substitute teaching in high schools, and teaching yoga.

Andrew Dixon joined the Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE) as administrative assistant in September 2006 and was promoted to Operations Manager in June 2007. He handles phone calls, e-mails, filing, and mailings, creates and processes all registration materials, updates portions of the FIHE website, and take cares of the day-to-day accounting work. He also provides administrative support to the President and Vice Presidents and assists them with various research and writing projects.

Hailing from Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, Andrew is a graduate of the Honors Program at Hillsdale College, where he studied music composition. At Hillsdale, Andrew had extensive experience on the Student Federation and Men's Council. He is a member of Phi Alpha Theta (international history honorary), Eta Sigma Phi (national classics honorary), and Mu Alpha Fraternity (Hillsdale's local music honorary).

Andrew has previous experience as a sales associate, day-camp counselor, landscaping and construction worker, and computer lab assistant. Prior to leaving Michigan, he had spent ten years volunteering as an assistant coach for the Grosse Pointe Woods-Shores Little League. In his spare time, Andrew helps coach a little league baseball in McLean and plays on an adult baseball team and church frisbee and softball teams.