Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education and Dean of the Grad School Announcement

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Elisia Cohen as vice provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate School, effective June 15, 2026, pending Board of Regents approval. Selected through a highly competitive internal search, Dr. Cohen brings distinguished experience in research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and community-engaged scholarship, along with a clear and compelling vision for the future of graduate and professional education at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Cohen currently serves as director and tenured professor in the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication in the College of Liberal Arts on the Twin Cities campus. Prior to joining the University, she was the Gifford Blyton Endowed Professor at the University of Kentucky, where she chaired the Department of Communication and led its Health Communication Research Collaborative. Throughout her career, she has advanced innovative, media-driven and community-based strategies to improve public health outcomes — particularly in underserved communities — reflecting a deep commitment to intellectual rigor, mentorship and meaningful public impact.

As vice provost and dean, Dr. Cohen will lead the University’s graduate and post-baccalaureate professional education strategy and strengthen the graduate dimension of teaching, research and engagement across all campuses. Working closely with campus leaders, collegiate deans, faculty and governance bodies, she will advance program quality, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and support the success of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Her collaborative leadership style and nuanced understanding of a rapidly evolving academic landscape position her well to elevate the University’s impact and reputation as a leading research institution.

I am confident that Dr. Cohen’s forward-looking leadership will build on our strong foundation while positioning us to meet emerging opportunities with clarity, ambition and purpose.

My sincere thanks to the members of the search committee, chaired by Dean Jamie Prenkert of the Carlson School of Management, for their thoughtful and dedicated work. Also, I want to reiterate my deep appreciation to Dr. Scott Lanyon for his exemplary service and leadership as vice provost and dean of graduate and professional education.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Cohen to this important leadership role.