Fitzgerald to become the new chief academic officer
Reading, Pa. - Alvernia University appoints Glynis Fitzgerald as the new provost responsible for serving as the chief academic officer overseeing the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Programs, School of Graduate and Adult Education and several other important administrative areas. Fitzgerald currently serves as associate vice president of Academic Affairs and dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Central Connecticut State University. She succeeds Interim Provost Jerry Greiner, former provost of Hamline University and emeritus president of Arcadia University.
Bringing more than 20 years of higher education experience to Alvernia, Fitzgerald has expertise in undergraduate and graduate program development, expansion of online learning options and community and corporate partnerships. As a seasoned faculty member, she rose through the ranks to full professor in the department of communication at Central Connecticut State where she also served as department chair.
“As we strengthen program offerings across disciplines to meet the challenges of today’s world, Glynis is the imaginative and seasoned academic leader who will galvanize faculty and staff colleagues alike to enhance the quality of our students’ educational experience at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels,” said President Tom Flynn. “Her intellect, relational style and experience with building community relationships are also closely aligned with the mission and values of Alvernia,” he added.
Fitzgerald assumes her new role on July 1. “During my visit to Alvernia, the strong sense of community, rich culture of student success and commitment to service were very clear. Also evident was the dedication of the leadership, faculty and staff, and extremely talented individuals, deeply committed to the university's mission,” said Fitzgerald. “These qualities make me excited to be a part of the Alvernia University family. As its new provost, I am eager to learn how I can best serve and promote the university.”
Alvernia University President-elect John Loyack worked closely with President Flynn during the search process to ensure a seamless leadership transition. “Glynis possesses an innate ability to connect with faculty and students in ways that ensure their success. Her track record in these areas will serve Alvernia well moving forward. I look forward to working with Glynis on creating a successful and bright future for Alvernia,” Loyack said. Both Loyack and Fitzgerald will take office in July.
Fitzgerald was selected in a national search from among more than 60 applicants. She earned a doctoral degree in organizational/interpersonal communication and a master’s in organizational communication from SUNY Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Alvernia University is a thriving comprehensive university that empowers students to become ethical leaders with moral courage, while providing an intellectually challenging environment with real-world learning experiences. Located on a scenic 121-acre suburban campus in historic Berks County, Pennsylvania, the university of more than 3,000 students is conveniently located near Philadelphia (60 miles) and within an easy drive of New York, Baltimore and Washington, DC.
