Meet the Cabinet
Dr. Alex Sider, interim president
Bluffton University is proud to introduce Dr. J. Alexander Sider as its interim president—a familiar and trusted face who has been shaping the Bluffton experience since 2006.
Affectionately known as Alex by students and colleagues alike, he has worn many hats during his time at Bluffton: professor of religion, mentor, scholar, and most recently, vice president and dean of academic affairs. Now, as he steps into presidential leadership, Alex brings with him not just institutional knowledge, but a genuine love for the community that defines Bluffton.
A proud graduate of Messiah College and Duke University, Alex has long felt called to teach theology and ethics within a Mennonite context. That calling led him to Bluffton nearly two decades ago—and it still fuels his passion today.
“Bluffton is distinctive in the way we talk about our Mennonite identity,” said Sider.
“We open up to a broad community of people.”
Known for his curiosity, compassion and collaborative spirit, Alex enters this new chapter with a clear and grounded vision: stabilize operations, strengthen community ties and rebuild trust. His leadership is rooted in relationship-building and guided by a belief that every person has something valuable to offer.
Beyond campus, Alex’s life is full of joyful chaos. He and his wife, Bluffton alumni Kathy Dickson ’03, are raising two energetic boys, Evan (10) and JD (7), whose sibling rivalry keeps things interesting. Their home is also filled with fur and fun, thanks to two cats, Ocean and Chirho, and a golden retriever named Tucker.
But at the heart of everything, Alex is driven by a deep sense of community. It’s what first drew him to Bluffton, and it’s what continues to inspire him every day.
“Whoever you are and whatever background you come from,” he says, “you’re invited to be part of this place.”
As Bluffton looks ahead, we are excited to see the impact of Alex’s leadership—and
we hope you’ll join us in welcoming him into this new role with open hearts and high
hopes.
members of the President’s Cabinet
Vice president of fiscal affairs
John Burkhart, a proud 1994 Bluffton grad, is as comfortable with an excel sheet as he is with a smoker full of cheese and meats.
A numbers guy through and through, John’s career took him to Filtech, Mid Bus, and
Cooper Tire, where he mastered roles like accountant, controller and internal auditor.
Along the way, he earned certifications like CPA, CMA and CFM because why settle for
one when you can have three?
Returning to Bluffton in 2015 as a business faculty member, John eventually served
as interim VP of fiscal affairs for a short time in 2022, before taking on the role
permanently in 2025. His favorite part of Bluffton? The people. Whether it’s his colleagues
or the students, John’s relationships here are what truly keep him engaged.
Outside of work, John’s all about sports rooting for the Bengals, Reds and Blue Jackets. John also enjoys smoking delicious meats and cheeses. He’s married with two adult children and one future Beaver in 6th grade.
Interim vice president for advancement and enrollment management
If you’re looking for someone who bleeds purple and white, look no further than Claire Kleman. A proud third-generation Bluffton grad, Claire’s been rocking her Beaver spirit since long before she officially joined the staff in 2018. Her grandpa, Gary Clay, graduated in 1977; her mom, Lydia (Clay) Mendenhall, graduated in 2002 and again with her masters in 2024; and her sister, Annie Mendenhall, graduated this May!
Claire graduated with her bachelor’s from Bluffton in 2018. She earned both a MBA
from Bluffton and master’s in criminal justice and forensic psychology from Trine
University in 2020. Claire has worked in a variety of roles in both the advancement
and enrollment divisions and now serves as interim VP of advancement and enrollment
management.
When she’s not on campus, she’s likely baking macarons, feeding her sourdough starter
or playing soccer at the YMCA.
She lives in Findlay with her husband Luke, a doctor of physical therapy and Bluffton’s
head swim and dive coach, and their very photogenic (and energetic) mini dachshund,
Zuko. The two tied the knot in July 2024, which means Claire’s juggling newlywed life,
puppy parenthood and leadership.
Vice president for student affairs and athletics
If you’ve ever wondered who knows everyone in Bluffton, Phill Talavinia is your guy. Vice president of student life and athletics by day, local councilman by night, and golf enthusiast whenever he can sneak away.
Since arriving at Bluffton University in 1985, Phill has worn nearly every hat, from
athletic trainer to VP, with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you believe he might
actually enjoy meetings. Phill earned his bachelor’s degree with a double major in
athletic training and business management from Anderson (Ind.) University in 1985
and his master‘s of business administration from Bluffton in 2013. Prior to his time
at Bluffton, Phill did a multiyear internship as an athletic trainer with the Chicago
Bears.
His favorite part of Bluffton? The people, of course. And after four decades, he’s
built quite the fan club. Whether he’s chairing a village committee, teeing off with
friends or walking his puppy Remi, Phill somehow finds time for everything—and everyone.
He’s married to Michelle, a Bluffton 1999 alumni and registered dietitian, and together they’re cheering on their daughter Avery, soon to be a University of Findlay student aiming for physical therapy.
Interim vice president and dean of academic affairs
If you’ve ever wondered how one person can make a big impact across campus, meet Dr. Gayle Trollinger. Since arriving at Bluffton in 1996, she’s taken on more roles than most people can count—department chair, program director, associate dean, accreditation expert, and now interim VP and dean of academic affairs.
Gayle’s favorite part of Bluffton? The people, both colleagues and students, who bring
energy, heart and purpose to campus every day. She’s especially excited to see how
Bluffton will evolve over the next five years, navigating new challenges while staying
true to what makes it special.
Outside of her academic world, Gayle is an avid traveler. Whether exploring India,
Northern Ireland or Colombia, she loves discovering something new in every place she
visits. At home in Findlay, she enjoys life with her retired-attorney husband, two
daughters, two sons-in-law and four incredible grandchildren. She also has two stepdaughters,
two stepsons-in-laws, and a whole lot of love to go around.