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Message from the Provost

Welcome to the 2024–25 Academic Year!   

I hope that you have each had a rejuvenating summer that provided time for rest and connection with loved ones. I am excited for the year ahead and the work that we will do together, for and with our students. A key priority this year will be a focus on communication, collaboration, trust and accountability in working towards shared goals.  

We have several colleagues in new positions within Academic Affairs including:

Brian Smith, Professor of Political Science, has assumed the role of Vice Provost of Academic Policies and Student Success. In this role, Brian oversees the Student Success Center comprised of Academic and Career Exploration, including the success coach team, Student Disability Services, International Student Services, Career and Professional Development (CAPD), CAMP, Student Success Business and Data Analysts, and Academic Policies and Procedures.  

Within CAPD, Brittany Stansel has assumed the role of Senior Director of Career and Professional Development.

Emma Woelk, Associate Professor of German, has assumed the role of Senior Director of Academic Initiatives. In this role, Emma oversees the Honors Program, General Education, including Freshman Seminar, and Global Initiatives, including Study Abroad. Emma reports to Monique Jiménez-Herrera, Vice Provost of Academic Initiatives and Faculty Success who oversees Faculty Success, including faculty belonging and inclusion, the Center for Teaching Excellence, the Office of Fellowships, and Academic Initiatives.

Garth Clayton is the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs.  

We also welcome Andrea Holgado back to the Hilltop in her role as Director of the McNair Scholars Program and Undergraduate Research.  

We are all so excited to work with our faculty and staff colleagues on our shared goals and initiatives. Blessed Basil Moreau's words illustrate our focus on the importance of educating hearts and minds:
 

“Our students are destined to live in the business and problems of the world.  So they should not be made to live a type of life that they would have to abandon when they leave our institution. They should be trained in such as that they may be everywhere what they were in school.”

What a privilege we have, to impact the lives of our students and their families. I am grateful to walk with you and our students on this journey, and I am energized by the opportunity before us. 

Bring it on, 2024–25! Toppers Up!!

Marianne Ward-Peradoza
Provost