The Provost serves as the chief academic officer of the university and oversees the Academic and Student Affairs Division.  The Division fosters a vibrant intellectual community to create and deliver exceptional academic and co-curricular programs and services.  The work of the Division encourages and supports students, faculty and staff toward achievement of their educational and professional goals, through robust planning, assessment and improvement processes.

As chief academic officer, the Provost is responsible for articulation of the university’s vision of academic distinction; the development and administration of academic and student affairs programs; policies relating to instruction, curriculum, student life, and continuing education; faculty and academic staff appointments and performance assessments; and scholarship and community service initiatives among faculty. 

Maria C. Cimitile began her appointment as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs on July 1, 2017.  She is committed to collaborative leadership, shared governance, excellence in teaching, innovative scholarship, strategic planning, high impact learning experiences, and purposeful academic service to the community.

Dr. Cimitile earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Memphis, M.A. from Villanova University, and A.B. from the College of the Holy Cross. She joined Grand Valley State University in 1999 as Assistant Professor in Philosophy, received early tenure and promotion in 2004, and full professor in 2016.

Prior to her appointment as Provost, Dr. Cimitile served as Associate Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with responsibility for assessment and strategic planning, curriculum development, student academic appeals, and diversity initiatives.  She joined the Office of the Provost in 2009 as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and was promoted to Associate Vice President.  Her work included development and oversight of the university curriculum, program review, academic transfer policies and procures, and assistance with divisional budgeting.

Biography

ACADEMIC YEAR START-UP RESOURCES

Provost Cimitile referenced resources during her remarks at college and University-wide start-up events. Links to the references are provided.

Innovations in Distance Learning Initiative

The Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center has started a new initiative that supports faculty efforts in designing and implementing fresh, creative, and innovative distance education offerings.  Additional information about this initiative can be found on the FTLC website.

Student Profile

At the Fall 2017 New Faculty Orientation, Philip Batty, Associate Vice President for Institutional Analysis, presented a profile of Grand Valley State University students.  As we educate students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies, this information provides background information on the students we serve.

Student Profile (Powerpoint file)
Student Profile (PDF file)