SAE Institute Atlanta Appoints Dr. Chris Cathcart As New Campus Director

ATLANTA, GA, OCTOBER 2024  – SAE Institute North America is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. William (Chris) Cathcart as Campus Director at SAE Institute Atlanta. Dr. Cathcart brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, championing initiatives, and enhancing success and institutional growth throughout his various leadership roles.

Prior to joining SAE Institute, Dr. Cathcart served as Vice President of Student Affairs at Central Piedmont Community College. His leadership resulted in a comprehensive redesign of the student experience, driving significant improvements in enrollment, retention, and completion rates through cross-divisional collaboration and strategic innovation. Before this role, Dr. Cathcart spent eight years as Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Enrollment Management at Ivy Tech Community College Northeast in Fort Wayne, Indiana, overseeing all student services, including an NJCAA athletics program. His efforts directly contributed to increased student engagement and institutional performance.

Dr. Cathcart holds an Ed.D. and a master’s degree from Ball State University, an MBA from Vanderbilt University, and a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College. 

His commitment to community leadership extends beyond education; he has served on the AWS Foundation Board, supporting opportunities for individuals with special needs, and co-chaired Fort Wayne United, a mayoral initiative focused on empowering men and boys of color.

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Cathcart now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where he enjoys spending time with his two sons, Ronald, and Mason. His diverse expertise, passion for student success, and dedication to community impact position him as a forward-thinking leader ready to guide the future of education.

“Joining SAE Institute Atlanta as Campus Director is an incredible opportunity to empower and support a new generation of students as they pursue their passion,” says Dr. Cathcart. “I am excited to bring my commitment to student success and innovation to this vibrant community and help shape pathways that enable students to thrive.”

As he settles into his new role, Dr. Cathcart will be working closely with members of the SAE Institute Atlanta leadership team including General Manager & Chief Operating Officer, Jake Elsen to facilitate a smooth transition. 

SAE Institute Atlanta opened its doors in 2007 and has grown year-over-year to be a leading higher educational institution within the Atlanta metro. SAE Institute Atlanta offers programs in audio, digital film, and entertainment business from the historic, bustling campus of the Cornerstone Building in downtown Atlanta. 

For more information about the Atlanta campus and programs, visit us online, or get in touch by phone at 404-526-9366. To stay informed about the latest events happening on campus, follow us on Instagram @saeinstituteusa.