Last week, it was announced that Dr. Sean Lancaster, a current administrator at Grand Valley State University, will be taking over the role of provost.
Previously held by Dr. Robert Fleischman, the role of provost is to oversee all academics and faculty affairs.
The search for a new provost began late last year and went through multiple rounds of candidates, all from varying backgrounds and experiences. It wasn’t until around three weeks ago that the decision made its way back to Dr. Lancaster.
Dr. Lancaster mentioned that it wasn’t until he set foot on campus that he felt connected with the university.
“When I came to campus and had my visit, I was just blown away by how much people cared about students and helping them succeed. I had a session with an awesome group of students who shared their hopes and dreams. I just felt connected with them and it made me feel included,” Lancaster said. “There was a strong sense of purpose at Ferris and a focus on applied learning that prepares students for what comes next. That combination is exciting and something I’m eager to be a part of.”
The transition process will start on June 1, and will continue throughout the month until Dr. Fleischman’s last day, June 30.
The hope is that having this transition period will allow for a better adjustment. During the month-long transition, both Dr. Lancaster and Dr. Fleischman will work together to allow Dr. Lancaster to become more acquainted with the campus, students and faculty.
Although Dr. Fleischman is stepping away from his role as provost at Ferris, he will still remain on campus as a professor in the College of Business.
“I have mixed emotions, because when I first got into higher education after my career in law and as a former high school teacher, I never went into it to become an administrator. I went into it to teach and affect young people. So having the opportunity to do that again is something I’m really looking forward to,” Fleischman said.
During his time here at Ferris, Dr. Fleischman has looked back at what he has been able to accomplish within his role.
He stressed the importance of leading the university through COVID-19 and still allowing face-to-face classes and experiences. He also mentioned that helping drive enrollment has been a challenge.
“It’s been great getting to know people and being able to spend time investing in people’s futures. It has been a very rewarding experience to work together with students, my colleagues and others,” Fleischman said.
The search committee for the new provost candidates was put together by Dr. Pilgrim and Dr. Kim Hancock, from pharmacy. The committee included several people across campus, faculty and students.
President Dr. Bill Pink explained more about the applications finalist process.
“The committee whittled it down to five candidates and they all came to campus and went through one or two days’ worth of interviews with different groups, and then I met with them myself for lunch,” Pink said.
After long conversations about leadership and aspects of the provost position, the interview feedback was sent back to Dr. Pink for the final review and selection.
“I came to a decision and chose Dr. Lancaster. I know people will laugh because he’s been at Grand Valley State University for the last two decades. What stood out to me about him was mostly how much he was truly invested in Ferris State. He knew so much about us. It was a hard choice; we had four other candidates. I think it is a great compliment to our university that we have that quality of people who want to be here,” Pink said.
Dr. Pink concluded his thoughts by welcoming Dr. Lancaster to his new chapter at the university and thanking Dr. Fleischman for all he has given to this university.
With the transition period happening over the summer, students can expect to see Dr. Lancaster on campus working this upcoming fall semester, while Dr. Fleischman expects to be back on campus for the fall of 2027 in the College of Business.