Dr. Michelle Kiec named Commonwealth University's next Provost

Commonwealth University has announced the selection of Dr. Michelle Kiec as its next provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, effective July 15.

Kiec comes to CU from Oklahoma City University (OCU), where she has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs since 2022. Prior to OCU, Kiec served as interim vice provost for extended and lifelong learning and dean of graduate studies at Kutztown University. Over the course of her decade at Kutztown, she also held roles including dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts as well as acting dean of the College of Education.

"We are building something new and exciting at Commonwealth University," said Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, CU president. "Doing so has brought unique challenges. I am confident that Dr. Kiec's impressive knowledge of higher education, particularly in Pennsylvania and our State System, will serve her well as she steps into this opportunity."

The announcement follows a national search during which three finalists visited each CU campus at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield this spring for open forums. Extensive input was received from faculty, staff, students, and members of collective bargaining units across the institution who attended the open forum visits, either in person or virtually.

Kiec holds a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts in clarinet from the Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University. Prior to that, she earned bachelor's degrees in music performance and German, both from the University at Buffalo.

A strong advocate for newly composed classical music, Kiec continues to perform chamber music as a clarinetist in various ensembles. A higher education innovator, she is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for students to learn and faculty to teach. Her many conference presentations include topics such as leadership planning and collaboration, student success programming, curriculum design, and faculty development. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, trail running, and traveling abroad.

Kiec's first several months will be spent listening and learning, visiting with constituencies at each CU location ranging from members of departments, academic colleges, collective bargaining units and students.