Search Committee Recommends New Provost

Cheryl Brandsen, the dean of Calvin College’s social sciences and contextual disciplines, is on track to become the college’s next provost.

It was announced Tuesday that Calvin’s provost search committee has recommended Brandsen, a 1979 graduate of Calvin College, to serve in the position, pending ratification by the Calvin Board of Trustees,

Brandsen has served in various roles at Calvin over the past 25 years.

"It's that notion of calling that I take seriously," said Brandsen. "I was given a lot of encouragement to throw my name in the ring from people for whom I have a lot of respect.

“So, I entered the process as much for me to see how I fit with this role as for the college to think about how I fit with this role. And this is how it ended."

President Michael Le Roy co-chaired the search committee, a group of 11 members of the college’s faculty, administration and staff.

He said the national search for a provost included more than 150 nominations and resulted in a diverse and qualified pool of 28 applicants.

“Cheryl’s demonstrated commitment to Reformed Christianity, academic excellence, and her winsome and collaborative approach to leadership distinguished her at the end of the process,” said Le Roy. “We are grateful for her willingness to serve Calvin College in this new role.”

In her new role, Brandsen will serve as the chief academic officer for the college and sit on the president’s cabinet. And while it’s a new role for Brandsen, it’s one with which she’s familiar. Since 2008, she’s worked alongside Provost Claudia Beversluis in her role as academic dean.

“Being in the role of academic dean, one sees a lot and hears a lot about what is going on in the institution. There are many good things happening here at Calvin that have come about because of Claudia’s leadership, and I’m so grateful and appreciative to her for that,” said Brandsen.

Brandsen also has six years of experience as a department chair for the sociology and social work department (2002-2008), and she has 25 years of experience in the classroom, teaching sociology and social work courses.

“In my experience working with Cheryl, I have observed her ability to build consensus with faculty, collaborate well across divisional lines, and communicate with clarity and conviction,” said Le Roy. “I think she will also be a great team member and provide the leadership we hope for from this role.”

Brandsen will begin her tenure as provost on July 1, 2014, pending the ratification by the Calvin board.

Claudia Beversluis has served as provost since 2006 and her term ends June 30, 2014.