GVSU names new CLAS dean

Provost Maria Cimitile has named Jennifer Drake as the next dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Drake is currently the provost and vice president for Student and Academic Life at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. She previously served as dean of the Shaheen College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Indianapolis. She holds a doctorate in English from the State University of New York at Binghamton.

“Dr. Drake brings a commitment to ensuring the liberal arts and sciences remain vital to the education of all our students,” said Cimitile, who is also executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. “She shares our vision that liberal education grounds our education and our students’ ability to navigate the future. I have every confidence in her leadership.”

Drake will oversee a college that houses a wide range of disciplines involving natural and mathematical sciences, humanities, arts and social sciences. She said she feels a “strong kinship” with Grand Valley’s mission and looks forward to working with colleagues on providing a quality liberal education.

"The learning outcomes associated with a liberal arts and sciences education are more essential now than ever,” Drake said. “They equip students to navigate current and future uncertainty by preparing them to be lifelong learners who demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and resilience."

She will join the university on Aug. 10. Dean Fred Antczak will end his duties on June 30 and join the English faculty. Associate Vice President Ellen Schendel will serve as acting dean until Drake’s arrival.