What happened: Commonwealth University hired Dr. Michelle Kiec as CU’s newest provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Why this matters: The provost is responsible for overseeing an institution’s entire educational program. As provost of CU, Kiec is responsible for three campuses.
Dr. Michelle Kiec is Commonwealth University’s newest provost and vice president for academic affairs. Kiec previously served as a faculty member, a department chair, an interim vice provost and as a dean three times. She has over 25 years of higher education experience and has previously served at Clarion University, Kutztown University and Oklahoma City University.
“Having been in the state system I really understood the value of education. I understood the amazing faculty and staff that we have and the super emphasis there is on student success and student learning. And that is why I am [here],” said Kiec.
The interviewing process for a high position like provost is what Kiec called “intensive.” It involves multiple conversations with the search committee and visits to all three campuses to meet with faculty, staff and students.
Despite the intimidating project of a university navigating a three-school merger, Kiec was eager to take it on.
“I hear people say ‘oh my gosh, what are you thinking?’ and I say ‘this sounds like fun,’” said Kiec.
As provost, Kiec’s responsibilities are round-the-clock and all-encompassing.
“I do anything and everything.”
Kiec splits her time between Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield each week. Her time on each campus is spent connecting with the campus community.
Her favorite part about working as the provost is being able to connect with students and hear their perspectives on what it means to be a CU student.
“If you see me out and on-campus, please don’t be shy about coming up and saying hello, introducing yourself, sharing with me what makes you excited to be here, where you’re from, what you’re studying, anything like that.”
