Dr. Kathy Ogren Named New University Provost

The University of Redlands has named Dr. Kathy Ogren, currently dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and associate provost, as the new provost of the University beginning June 1. Ogren will lead the Office of the Provost, charged with creating a strong, broad, and visionary role for academic leadership within the University. She will oversee the academic budget and the deans of the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Music, School of Business, and School of Education, and will have authority over university-wide systems including information technology, which she has led for the past year. She will also act as a key liaison to the University’s board of trustees. Ogren replaces Dr. David Fite, who is stepping down as interim provost and chief academic officer to return to teaching following a sabbatical leave. President Ralph Kuncl said, “In my broad consultations about the best process for finding our next provost, the faculty and University leadership expressed an extraordinarily high degree of support for Dean Ogren across all constituencies. Few, if any, competitors for this important role would be able to match Kathy’s resourcefulness and affability as a leader, her improvisational mind, and her perspicacious thinking about liberal learning and scholarship. And none would match her deep knowledge about and love for Redlands and her seamlessness with our culture. I am honored and grateful to have worked with her these last three years and truly excited about the future of the University with her partnership and leadership.” Ogren said, “I’m honored to serve this University in a new leadership role supporting our next decade of innovative teaching and learning.” Ogren began her career at Redlands as a visiting assistant professor in 1985, became a full professor in 1996, served as the director of the Johnston School of Integrative Studies from 1999 to 2007, was the Virginia C. Hunsaker Distinguished Teaching Chair from 2005 to 2011, and was chair of the University Assembly from 2010 to 2011. She has been serving as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences since 2011 and as associate provost since the fall. Ogren completed her undergraduate studies in humanities and American studies at Scripps College. She earned her master’s in history and received her Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University. Ogren will convene faculty leaders in the College of Arts & Sciences this month to plan for a national search in 2015-16 for the new dean of the College. President Kuncl added, “The sincere thanks of the University community go to David Fite for his leadership and collegiality during the last 6 years. We look forward to seeing him back at work in his next role and first loves, writing and teaching.”