Jonathan J Okstad

Jonathan J. Okstad, PhD, MBA, MEd (he/him/his) is Director of Operations & Strategic Initiatives in the Dean’s Office at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Lecturer of Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago in the Graduate School of Education. In his role, Dr. Okstad supports operational strategy and coordination across the medical school, helping align people, processes, and systems to advance Feinberg’s research, education, and clinical mission.

Dr. Okstad has extensive research, teaching, and administrative experience and has served in a variety of higher education roles spanning academic affairs, research administration, advancement, alumni relations, and student activities. Prior to joining the Dean’s Office, he led research administration within Feinberg’s Basic Science Administration, supporting faculty in grant seeking, sponsored programs administration, research policy, and strategy. Earlier in his career, he also led a nonprofit organization working in the United States and Central America focused on supporting children and families through housing, education, and medical assistance.

Dr. Okstad’s research interests center on equitable and inclusive learning environments, university finance and governance, organizational theory, and underrepresented populations and communities in higher education.