April 14, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 15)
Sean Lancaster, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, was named provost at Ferris State University.
Photo Credit: Kendra Stanley-Mills
Sean Lancaster, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, was named the new provost at Ferris State University. His appointment at the Big Rapids university will begin June 1.
Lancaster joined Grand Valley's College of Education faculty in 2000. He spearheaded a college unit reorganization and served as department chair for two units before he was appointed as assistant vice president in the Provost's Office in 2022, with responsibilities for accreditation, assessment and strategic planning.
Jennifer Drake, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, said: “I am pleased to recognize Sean Lancaster on his appointment as Provost of Ferris State University, a well-deserved next step in his leadership journey. Sean has made a meaningful impact through work in assessment, accreditation and strategic planning.
"I am especially grateful for his leadership in helping develop the Reach Higher Together strategic plan and the Academic Affairs Strategic Framework. While we will miss him at Grand Valley, I’m glad he will remain a colleague here in Michigan, and I look forward to continuing our shared work in support of students and communities across the state.”
This article was last edited on April 9, 2026 at 4:56 p.m.
John and Xavier Golden produced a book about learning to do new, challenging things. It started as Xavier's senior project as a GVSU student.
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