College appoints provost

College appoints provost

Maria Cimitile. Courtesy GVSU

A local college has named a new provost who has served in various leadership roles at the school for almost 20 years.

Grand Valley State University President Thomas Haas said this spring he selected Maria Cimitile to become provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs, starting July 1.

She will serve a three-year term with the opportunity for an extension.

Cimitile replaces Gayle Davis, who’s retiring after 15 years in the role.

“I’m honored and incredibly excited to accept this appointment,” Cimitile said. “I have (had) tremendous opportunities to work with the innovative faculty, staff and students at Grand Valley and to expand the unique work we are doing with our community partners. I have the advantage of having worked at the university for nearly 20 years, and I know how talented and dedicated this community is.

“Provost Davis has been a dynamic leader for Grand Valley, and I'm looking forward to building on the many accomplishments of our university.”

Haas said Cimitile’s strong suits include overseeing university curriculum and experience with budgets, strategic planning, advising and diversity.

“Dr. Cimitile’s keen judgment and her commitment to student success make her well-suited to serve in this position,” he said. “She has excellent experience and has demonstrated leadership in all the positions she has held at the university. (Cimitile) is widely admired by faculty, staff and students, and I am confident she will perform well in her new appointment.”

Cimitile’s background

Cimitile joined GVSU as an assistant professor in philosophy in 1999. She became an associate dean for students and curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2005, returning to her faculty position three years later.

She worked in various positions within the provost’s office starting in 2009 and rose to associate vice president in 2015.

Cimitile has three philosophy degrees: a Ph.D. from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree from Villanova University and a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross.