Point Welcomes New CAO

During the summer, Point welcomed a new chief academic officer, Dr. Jon Ernstberger. He comes to Point from nearby LaGrange College, where he most recently served as associate vice president for academic affairs and professor of mathematics.

What is a cause you’re passionate about?

Education, and specifically, higher education, is one of our strongest tools for upward mobility and for changing the pathways of generations of people.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of, and why?

I am so excited to serve as CAO at Point University! Coming to work in this position has great meaning for me in terms of how I can help others and has been a long-term goal.

Do you have any creative outlets or interests?

I love to read (fiction, mystery or sci-fi, typically), and my wife and I are avid runners. My family and I enjoy watching movies. I love being outdoors and sitting around a fire.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?

I learned to be kind and patient with and extend grace to others, because it’s almost certain that I don’t fully understand what’s going on in their lives. I also learned that it’s okay to pause and think about what you’re going to say before speaking.

What is one thing you must have in your office?

An electric tea kettle, followed closely by good chocolate.

Who’s your hero, and why?

Without a doubt, my wife. She has carried me and others when life was difficult, is continually growing as a person and a professional, and does what she believes is right. I live in awe of her and am incredibly proud of her.