Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

Central Michigan University President Neil MacKinnon has announced the appointment of Paula Lancaster to the provost/executive vice president role. Lancaster has been serving as interim provost since last fall.

“Dr. Lancaster has demonstrated remarkable leadership and has been a calm, steadying presence during a period of significant transition at CMU,” MacKinnon said. “She has offered me valuable guidance in my new role, and she provides the same thoughtful, strategic support to our academic leaders, faculty and staff.”

In accordance with the university’s search waiver policy, MacKinnon chose to forgo a formal search to fill the provost’s position. Noting the number of senior officer positions currently filled by interim leaders and current efforts to achieve strategic plan priorities, MacKinnon said continuity of leadership and stability in the Office of the Provost were important considerations in his decision.

“Dr. Lancaster’s qualifications, leadership and expertise make her an outstanding candidate for the provost’s position, and we are fortunate she has accepted this appointment,” MacKinnon said. “Under her leadership, we have made progress on a number of key priorities and initiatives, and I know she will continue to help CMU grow in reputation and quality.”

Lancaster accepted the role of interim provost in September 2024, following the departure of former Provost Nancy Mathews. In the months since, she has led the academic division’s efforts related to strategic planning and other university-wide initiatives. She became CMU’s provost and executive vice president effective February 1, 2025.

Prior to stepping into this interim position, Lancaster was dean and professor in the CMU College of Education and Human Services, leading and supporting 120 faculty, 40 staff, 40 academic programs and six academic centers, as well as hundreds of students. Since her tenure began, enrollments in CEHS have increased and faculty and programs within the college have been recognized for excellence nationally and internationally. 

MacKinnon said these previous achievements, including her extensive experience in program development and assessment, innovative programming across the college, as well as national grants for research and service, were among her many qualifications to serve as CMU’s next provost. She has served as the principal investigator of CMU’s single largest current grant, a $15 million Department of Education grant to address the rural teaching shortage, and serves as a role model for faculty who are pursuing their own research and creative activity, MacKinnon said.

“Serving alongside so many dedicated, knowledgeable and talented colleagues in my capacity as the dean of CEHS and as interim provost has been an absolute honor,” Lancaster said. “I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to serve CMU, our students, our faculty and staff, and our greater university community.”

Lancaster joined CMU in July 2020 as a professor and dean of the College of Education and Human Services. Prior roles include chair of the Department of Special Education, Foundations and Technology and chair of Teaching and Learning, both at Grand Valley State University, where she also was director of the teacher education program and a professor for nearly 20 years.