Susan Edwards, formerly the vice provost for faculty affairs at Appalachian State University, was named the executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at Wright State University on July 30.
The appointment follows a four-month national provost search, which was led by the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Search Committee. She was selected from a pool of approximately 50 individuals, according to Travis Doom, co-chair of the search committee.
“She’s already making her presence felt,” Doom said. “Bringing in an outside view and fresh energy is already helping us to re-energize our leadership.”
As Provost, Edward’s responsibilities will include overseeing academics, enrollment management, and retention. “It’s a huge scope,” Edwards said. As Executive VP, Edwards will fulfill duties of President Cheryl Schrader in the event that she is not on campus, Edwards said.
Edwards started her academic career teaching nursing to indigenous populations at Deakin University in Australia. She has also taught at Georgia Southern University and James Cook University. She also had a role similar to an associate dean at James Cook University, running medical college units on campus. She mostly recently worked at Appalachian State University in North Carolina as vice provost for faculty affairs.
“Dr. Edwards’ experience as a teacher, researcher and administrator; her leadership skills; and her personal commitment to student success make her the perfect leader to join our university at this time,” Schrader said in information provided by Seth Bauguess, director of communications at Wright State.
Edwards said that she is most looking forward to working with and helping Wright State students.
“The whole reason I am in the role I’m in because of students,” she said. “From my perspective, I get to impact a lot more people by having that student-centric mission.”
In April, Edwards joined other candidates in visiting Wright State to meet students and faculty.
“When I got here, I met people that were so engaged in the campus and really passionate about what they did,” Edwards said.
During her visit, Edwards engaged with students and faculty to immerse herself in a variety of perspectives.
“Those who interacted with her said they were impressed with her ability to listen closely, analyze questions quickly and communicate clearly,” Schrader said in information provided by Bauguess.
Toward the beginning of the fall semester, Edwards will meet with her direct reports, colleges on campus, and students. Edwards emphasized the importance of listening to many individuals’ concerns. “The last thing you want to do is impose your old culture on a new culture,” Edwards said.
In the long term, Edwards hopes to increase enrollment at Wright State, grow experiential learning, and to ensure student success by providing them with opportunities wherever possible. “I’m looking for Wright State to become a leader in Ohio for providing quality transformational educational experiences for students,” Edwards said. “That is central to the heart of who Wright State is.”
