Provost Transition Updates: Search Progress and Interim Leadership

April 7, 2026

Dear colleagues,

I’m writing with an update on transition plans as we prepare to appoint SLU’s next executive vice president and provost (EVPP).

The EVPP search, supported by executive search firm WittKieffer, is progressing well. The search committee has reviewed applications from a strong candidate pool and will conduct interviews in the coming weeks. While the search is confidential to support the cultivation of the strongest possible candidates, we have designed a process through which we will engage representatives from key stakeholder groups before a finalist is chosen. I anticipate making an appointment by late spring, with the new EVPP arriving on campus in late summer or early fall.

In the meantime, to support a smooth transition and Provost Mike Lewis’s move to his new post as president of Saint Anselm College, Dr. Noelle Fearn, dean of the School of Social Work, has agreed to serve as interim provost beginning May 18. Mike will shift to an advisory role at that time, supporting Noelle and me through his final day at SLU on June 30. Effective today, Noelle will join senior leadership meetings as we continue working on the FY27 budget and the development of SLU’s strategic plan.

Noelle has served as a faculty member in criminology and criminal justice since 2007 and dean of the School of Social Work since 2022. Her collaborative and capable leadership has led to enrollment growth and national recognition for School of Social Work faculty members and academic programs. She is a champion of student success, research and scholarship, faculty and staff excellence, and program innovation. 

Dr. Brandy Maynard, associate dean for academic affairs, has agreed to step in as acting dean in the School of Social Work.

Please join me in expressing deep appreciation to Noelle for her willingness to serve in this important leadership role.

Sincerely,

Edward Feser, Ph.D.
President