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.”
Lancaster said his participation in the Reach Higher
Together planning process, as well as the development of the first
Academic Affairs divisional plan, influenced his decision to leave
Grand Valley.
"My work in accreditation allowed me to engage
deeply with programs and colleagues across GVSU, and I am truly
grateful for those experiences and relationships," he said.
"The Reach Higher Together listening sessions brought forward a
wide range of perspectives and reminded me how powerful it is to
align people around a shared vision. That experience reignited my
desire to lead at a broader level and to help shape systems that
support success for students, faculty and staff across Academic Affairs."
Lancaster earned numerous accolades while at Grand
Valley, including the Pew Teaching with Technology Award,
Outstanding Teaching Award from Graduate Students and the Graduate
Mentor Award.
He earned three degrees from the University of Kansas,
including a Ph.D. in special education.
