President Philomena V. Mantella has announced the appointment of Jennifer Drake as provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs.
Drake's appointment, effective immediately, comes after serving most recently as GVSU's acting provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Before that, she served as dean of GVSU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, arriving in 2020 to lead the university's largest college.
Mantella said that Drake possesses the strong academic leadership, unwavering commitment to both student success and the teacher-scholar model and a deep sense of community to help navigate higher education's shifting landscape. Drake's expertise will help Grand Valley grow and increase its impact on the region's future, she said.
"Higher education is changing and success will require leaders who have both a collegial, bold and creative approach and the courage to embrace new ideas to find solutions to problems we can’t yet imagine," Mantella said. "With Dr. Drake’s leadership alongside our capable and committed senior team, the provost’s cabinet and faculty and staff colleagues, we can meet the moment."
Drake, an English professor, served as provost at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. before coming to Grand Valley. She said GVSU appealed to her because it is "a relationship-rich institution" committed to the integration of an interdisciplinary education and professional preparation to enhance student success.
"I am honored to be able to serve as Grand Valley’s next provost, and to continue working in partnership with President Mantella, the senior leadership team, the provost’s cabinet team, and our amazing faculty, staff and students," Drake said. "Together we are ready to build Grand Valley’s future on our strong foundation."
Drake earned her bachelor’s degree in religious studies at Brown University, and both her master’s degree and doctorate in literature and creative writing from Binghamton University. She also previously served as professor and dean at the University of Indianapolis.
Drake is offering two sessions to engage with faculty and staff as she assumes her new role. She will offer brief remarks highlighting her priorities for academic affairs, followed by a Q&A session. No RSVP is necessary:
- April 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m., L. William Seidman Center Forum
- April 23, 2-3 p.m., Alumni House
