Sean Lancaster began his appointment as an Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Grand Valley State University in August of 2022. His portfolio of responsibilities includes accreditation (i.e., GVSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission), assessment, and strategic planning. He also serves as an ex-officio member of the University Assessment Committee, which is part of the shared governance of the university.

Dr. Lancaster earned his Ph.D. in special education from the University of Kansas where he also earned his previous degrees. He has been at GVSU since 2000, earning promotion to associate professor in 2005, tenure in 2006, and then promotion to full professor in 2012. He is the recipient of the Pew Teaching with Technology Award, but also the Graduate Outstanding Teaching Award, and the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award. Prior to his AVP role, he was a department chair for 6 years over Special Education, Foundations, and Technology and then over the Literacy and Technology Department.

Dr. Lancaster is a Research Fellow with the International Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute. He has rich history of scholarly publications and presentations, and his community service over the past decade has largely focused on disrupting patterns of inequity that exist in schools and classrooms.