Radford University hires Marten denBoer as interim provost

Radford, VA (06/23/2022) — Marten L. denBoer, Ph.D., has been named Radford University's interim provost for the 2022-2023 academic year, effective July 1. His appointment comes after search and interview process that included members of the university cabinet, the academic affairs leadership team, and the Faculty Senate executive council.

Interim President Carolyn "Lyn" Ringer Lepre, Ph.D., said, "The university worked with The Registry, an agency that assists universities as they seek temporary interims for senior leadership positions, and denBoer was selected from a pool of more than 20 candidates."

The role of provost is integral to the leadership and direction of the university's academic mission. J. Orion Rogers, Ph.D., has served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs for the last year, stepping in for Lepre, who led the university as interim president during that time. Rogers' impending retirement and Lepre's announcement of her new post as president of Salisbury University in Maryland created an immediate need to fill the critical role for academic leadership.

"With the ongoing turnover in Radford's provost position, Marten brings a wealth of direct experience to the role to assist us through the transition to my presidency," said Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D., who will become Radford University's eighth president on July 1. "He has kindly agreed to serve Radford until the search for the permanent provost is complete."

DenBoer was provost, then special assistant, at DePaul University for six years and was provost at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, for seven years. His previous leadership experience includes associate provost at Queens College of the City University of New York and physics department chair at Hunter College CUNY.

As provost at DePaul University, denBoer led academic affairs, enrollment management, and student affairs. He oversaw ten colleges that ranged from large multidisciplinary units in the liberal arts and social sciences, science and health, business, and computing and digital media to small conservatories in music and theatre.

Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 8,998 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. With over 300 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,100 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

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