Office of the Provost

A message from Interim Provost Lancaster

Dear students, faculty, staff and friends,

I am honored to have this opportunity to serve our Central Michigan University community as interim provost during a very exciting time. With recent gains in enrollment, significant increases in funding for research and scholarly activity, and outstanding recognitions for faculty and student excellence, we have started this academic year with a great deal of energy. I look forward to working with you to continue that momentum!

In the months ahead, we will welcome a new university president, and that individual will work with our Board of Trustees and with you to select the next provost. Until that time, I am committed to carrying on our important efforts in teaching and learning, research and scholarly activity, and service to our community. Over the past year, we have adopted the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, the five-year Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Belonging Strategic Plan, and the Academic Vision — these initiatives require all of us to work collaboratively toward our goals and priorities.

In addition, our university is preparing for its 10-year reaccreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. To ensure the best possible outcome for our institution, I will work with university and college leaders, department chairs, faculty and others to prepare us for our self-study and site visit.

Together we have and will continue to accomplish great things. I look forward to partnering with you in these endeavors and many others. We have important work to do, and we are prepared and on-track to achieve our goals.

Sincerely,

Paula Lancaster

Interim Provost

Dean, CMU College of Education and Human Services