WPU Hires New Vice President for Academic Affairs
Raleigh, NC (07/20/2022) — RALEIGH, N.C. - William Peace University has hired a new Vice President for Academic Affairs, officials announced today.
Lynda Szymanski, Ph.D., LP, will become the new Vice President for Academic Affairs early this fall. Her exact start date is yet to be determined.
Szymanski is currently Provost at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Before her role at Luther College, she was a faculty member in Psychology at St. Catherine University. She also served in multiple leadership roles, including Department Chair, Associate and Interim Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences, Interim Provost, and Associate Provost.
Szymanski also was the Founding Director of the Collaborative Undergraduate Research Program at St. Catherine and has a deep commitment to immersive learning.
WPU President Brian C. Ralph said he is thrilled to welcome Szymanski to campus.
"We had an incredibly strong pool of finalists for this position, and Dr. Szymanski rose to the top. Her commitment to DEI, immersive learning, and focus on students is inspirational, and we look forward to seeing her leadership in action." Ralph said. "I am confident in her ability to partner with our team here to ensure the University's continued success."
The Vice President for Academic Affairs oversees the faculty and academic programs, plans and coordinates the instructional program, and manages curricular arrangements, support services, the academic calendar, and other academic operations of the University.
Szymanski shared, "It is my honor to be selected to serve as the next Vice President for Academic Affairs at William Peace University. I look forward to serving on President Ralph's leadership team and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to advance the institution's strategic priorities."