Mary Schutten selected as next CMU provost
Provost candidate Mary Schutten speaks at an open forum April 26 at the Charles V. Park Library Baber Room.
Mary Schutten, a professor and former dean at San Jose State University, will be Central Michigan University's next provost and executive vice president beginning July 1.
A professor of kinesiology at San Jose State, Schutten's most recent administrative job was as the university's dean of the College of Health and Human Services from 2015-18. With over 30 years of experience in leadership, her focus has been in boosting student success, advancing interdisciplinary programs and fostering community partnerships.
"The opportunity to serve as provost of a large, well-respected university is what excites me the most about coming to CMU," Schutten said in a CMU News release. "I truly appreciate Central's long history of academic excellence, its focus on students and on making a difference in the state and its communities, as these have been hallmarks of my educational career."
Schutten visited campus on April 26, when she discussed how she has advanced interdisciplinary learning at San Jose State, such as the development of interdisciplinary courses to promote health and wellness, and how she would implement those strategies at CMU. She also discussed the advantages of peer-mentoring and student tutoring to help increase high retention rates.
At San Jose State, Schutten recently used a "Design Thinking" process to engage department heads and directors in outlining goals for the College of Health and Human Sciences to align with the university's strategic plan.
Other initiatives she implemented at San Jose State include the pilot of an online Doctor of Nurse Practice program and a partnership with a major health provider to use San Jose State's nursing simulation labs.
"She's proven her ability to tackle issues, to have straightforward conversations and to serve as a leader while also developing leadership in others," President Bob Davies told CMU News. "She's a strong advocate for all parts of the academic division and has a creative, innovative and collaborative approach."
Schutten is the third woman to serve as provost at CMU, according to University Communications. Janice Reynolds served as acting provost from 1986-88 and Julia Wallace served as CMU's provost from 2008-09.
Schutten previously was associate dean and professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University. She received her Doctor of Physical Education degree from Indiana University, a Master of Arts in physical education from California State University at Long Beach and a Bachelor of Arts in education from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
