Breaking: Paula Lancaster named CMU provost

President Neil MacKinnon appoints Paula Lancaster provost and executive vice president of CMU

academic-senate-feb-4
Masha Smahliuk
Central Michigan University President Neil MacKinnon, interim provost Paula Lancaster and general counsel John Danner answered questions from faculty about how the United States President Donald Trump's executive orders could affect the university at the Academic Senate meeting on Feb. 4, 2025. MacKinnon said there is no guidelines for future actions, and Lancaster told the faculty to continue doing their jobs as usual. “My aspiration is for us to be the most inclusive campus in all of its forms in the entire state,” Lancaster said. “I just wanted to say publicly, right here right now, that I am supporting our efforts toward that goal and continuing to support your efforts and the great work that you're doing.”

As of Feb. 1, 2025, Paula Lancaster has been appointed provost and executive vice president of Central Michigan University by President Neil MacKinnon. 

Prior to becoming provost and executive vice president, Lancaster has been interim provost since September 2024.  

“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to serve CMU, our students, our faculty and staff, and our greater university community,” Lancaster said in a statement put out by University Communications (UComm).

According to the statement, MacKinnon said Lancaster has been a calm and steady presence as CMU was transitioning between presidents. 

“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,” 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.”

In the months between becoming interim provost to appointed provost, Lancaster has spearheaded the academic division’s work in strategic planning and various university initiatives.  

Before joining CMU in July 2020 as a professor and dean of the College of Education and Human Services (CEHS), Lancaster had chair positions at the Department of Special Education, Foundations and Technology, Teaching and Learning and Director of the Teacher Education Program and Professors at Grand Valley State University. 

“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.

Since beginning her CEHS role, enrollments have risen and faculty and programs have been nationally and internationally recognized. 

MacKinnon said Lancaster's experiences in program development and innovative programming as well as achievements in nation research grants served as a few of her multiple qualifications. 

According to UComm, MacKinnon said Lancaster acted as the principal investigator of CMU’s largest ongoing, $15 million Department of Education grant to address the rural teaching shortage.

Share: