Darlene Weaver selected as next UD provost

Photo courtesy of Flyer News

Bridgett Dillenburger | Online Editor-in-Chief

University of Dayton President Eric Spina announced Dr. Darlene Weaver as the new provost and executive vice president of academic affairs through a university-wide email April 12. 

Weaver is the first externally hired provost at UD since the position was created, and will be the first woman to hold this executive-level leadership role. 

“I believe Darlene Weaver is a superb fit for UD as our chief academic officer,” Spina said. “She is someone who builds deep relationships, has an innate respect and understanding of shared governance and possesses an ability to lead successful, mission-driven institutional change which prepares her well for this critical senior position.”

The university began the search after the previous provost Paul Benson announced his retirement in the fall effective July 1, 2023. Weaver will begin her work after Benson’s retirement. 

The other finalists were Doug Woods, vice provost for graduate and professional studies; dean of The Graduate School; acting chief of digital learning at Marquette University and Guillermo Vásquez de Velasco, dean and professor of art, media and design, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at DePaul University.

Finalists for the search were brought to campus in March. Faculty and staff were encouraged to attend each candidate’s open conversation, which included a Q&A session and remarks from the candidate. Information was made available to the university through Porches. 

“Darlene proved throughout the rigorous search process to be warm, highly relational and philosophically and temperamentally well-aligned with UD and our Marianist charism,” Spina said.

The search was open to internal and external candidates and included the engagement of university faculty, staff and students. The Provost Search Advisory Committee was appointed by Spina and worked alongside him and the Isaacson, Miller search consultant. Members of the committee can be viewed here. 

For more information about Dr. Darlene Weaver, visit the Duquesne University website.

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