Faculty and Academic Affairs leadership transition
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to share that Beth Lewis, vice provost for faculty and academic affairs, has decided to return to her faculty position in the College of Education and Human Development beginning in Spring 2027.
After three years of dedicated service as vice provost, Dr. Lewis has made this decision thoughtfully and with a deep commitment to faculty leadership. We are grateful for the energy and care she has devoted to advancing academic excellence at the University of Minnesota.
During her tenure as vice provost, she significantly strengthened support for faculty and academic leaders, including:
- expanding resources and services for chairs, heads and other leaders
- establishing new faculty and leadership development opportunities
- leading initiatives, such as the workload equity project, to promote a more equitable and supportive faculty environment
- building strong partnerships and collaborations across the University to improve policies, practices and systems affecting faculty
These accomplishments reflect her distinctive approach, vision and a longstanding dedication to the people and purpose of the Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs.
Importantly, this transition represents a continuation of Dr. Lewis’s relationship with the University of Minnesota. We look forward to welcoming her back to her faculty role in the School of Kinesiology, where she will continue her research examining behavioral interventions for increasing physical activity and evaluating the effect of exercise on mental health.
The priorities that shape faculty affairs remain firmly in place — we will sustain the progress already underway and continue engagement with shared governance and the broader academic community. I expect to launch a collaborative, internal search process to identify the next vice provost in early October.
Please join me in expressing sincere appreciation to Beth for her extraordinary service and in celebrating all she has accomplished along with her colleagues in Faculty and Academic Affairs. We are fortunate to have her continue to be an important member of our academic community.
Sincerely,
Gretchen Ritter
Executive Vice President and Provost