Lewis Honored at Farewell Ceremony
Provost Mike Lewis, Ph.D., always stepped up.
Speaking at a farewell event Monday afternoon in the Busch Student Center, President Emeritus Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., praised Lewis for always saying yes and taking on new challenges during his more than two decades at Saint Louis University.
“Consistently, when we have asked Mike Lewis to step into a difficult situation, to work hard and advance this institution, that’s what he has done,” Pestello. “We owe him a lot.”
Pestello and others spent the ceremony saluting Lewis for his service at SLU before he leaves at the end of the academic year. Starting July 1, Lewis will be the 12th president of Saint Anselm College, a Catholic, Benedictine institution in Manchester, New Hampshire.
“Mike, you have made a lasting and positive impact on Saint Louis University,” said President Edward Feser, Ph.D. “You’re going to do the same thing at Saint Anslem. They’re really lucky to have you coming.”
Lewis joined the chemistry faculty in 2004. He began his administrative service in 2013 as SLU’s associate provost for faculty affairs and development. He later served as acting provost and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He served as interim provost in 2020 and was appointed as permanent provost in 2021 following a national search.
“Mike’s compass, and the thing that has exemplified his leadership, is that he never loses sight of the fact that we are an institution; it is the people who work here, no matter their role or position, that make this university what it is,” said Donna LaVoie, Ph.D., College of Arts and Sciences Dean.
During his tenure as provost, Lewis strengthened SLU’s academic profile and research enterprise. The University achieved R1 status, the highest classification for research activity, and external research expenditures across the 11 academic units under Lewis’ purview increased by 77%.
In addition, he advanced a number of initiatives focused on student well-being, including SLU’s partnership with the Jed Foundation, expansion of the University Counseling Center, and the introduction of 24/7 virtual counseling services with licensed providers available in all 50 states.
He also oversaw the development and implementation of a university-wide, mission-focused core curriculum, establishing a shared academic experience for all undergraduate students across majors, colleges, schools and campuses.
“There’s something genuinely distinctive about Mike — no matter the circumstances, he sees the good in everything and every person,” LaVoie said. “No matter how empty or full of holes that glass might seem, to Mike, that glass is more than half full. Maybe it’s a bit unrealistic, but I appreciated his optimism. There was always a path forward, always a way through to reach an outcome that would work.”
Lewis was praised for his leadership, not just with faculty but with students.
“Every time we spoke, he made me feel important and that what I had to say was valid,” said Sophia Lee, SLU Student Government Association VP of academic affairs.
Lee said when she first found out she had to have regular meetings with the provost, she was intimidated. During those meetings, the intimidation went away, and she found a valued mentor.
“Every time I found myself at a crossroads, Provost Lewis was there to offer me guidance and support,” Lee said. “... Thank you for showing me what it means to be a compassionate leader, for believing in me when I didn’t, and for offering me a tissue when I needed it. I will be forever grateful for the time we spent together.”
Feser presented Lewis with a replica statue of King Louis IX. Feser said the description of King Louis seemed fitting.
“Saint Louis was seen as the perfect Christian prince — benevolent and fair, so much so that he was often asked to mediate disputes between other leaders,” Feser said. “I just thought that nailed Miike as provost.”
Lewis said he was overwhelmed by the kind words.
“All of the work, I don’t really consider that me, it’s that I’ve had the great pleasure to work with all of you,” he said. “... This is what I’ll miss. I love the work, and I’m going to get to continue to do the work, and I’m excited for new challenges, but it is bittersweet.”