By RYAN SKAITH
Northwest Missouri State University has named Dr. Rose Marie Ward as its next provost and vice president of academic affairs, officials announced following a national search.
Ward, who begins her new role Feb. 16, will serve as the university’s chief academic officer. She will oversee enrollment management, academic quality, and student success, while also serving as dean of faculty and the administrative liaison to the Faculty Senate.
“We are delighted to welcome Rose Marie to the Northwest team,” said University President Dr. Lance Tatum. “Her depth of experience and professional background will be a tremendous asset to our institution.”
Ward joins the “Bearcat family” from the University of Cincinnati, where she most recently served as a professor of psychology and special assistant to the provost. During her tenure at Cincinnati, she also held the positions of vice provost of graduate education and dean of the Graduate College.
“I am thrilled to join Northwest and to come alongside the amazing Bearcat family,” Ward said. “As an academic leader, I have championed a student-centered focus while harnessing academic excellence for the public good.”
Before her time in Cincinnati, Ward spent two decades at Miami University in Ohio. Her administrative portfolio there included roles as associate dean of graduate studies and director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. Her faculty experience spans departments including psychology, statistics, and educational leadership.
Ward earned her doctorate and master’s degree in experimental psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication from Juniata College.
Ward succeeds Dr. Jamie Hooyman, who retired in December after eight years in the role.