Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Dr. Marilyn Sheerer has been named Provost and Vice Chancellor of the Office of Academic Affairs of the University of North Carolina Wilmington as of Feb. 1, the university announced today. Sheerer has served as interim provost since June.
 
Sheerer has more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration. Prior to coming to UNCW, she was the provost of East Carolina University from 2007 until 2014. She also served as dean of the ECU College of Education, associate dean for faculty and program development, interim vice chancellor for university and advancement and interim vice chancellor for student life. Before serving at ECU, she was a department chair at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and Northern Illinois University.
 
“I am so pleased that Dr. Sheerer has accepted the offer to serve as provost and vice chancellor of this great institution,” said Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. “Marilyn has proven to be an outstanding leader and has an excellent record as an administrator and scholar. I have enjoyed working with Marilyn in her capacity as interim provost, and she will continue be a great asset to UNCW.”
 
During Dr. Sheerer’s time at ECU, she led the creation of the university’s Honors College; expanded distance education; secured $1 million in private funding to initiate special programming for learning disabled students; secured $3 million in grants in support of academic programs; and improved budget and personnel processes within the Division of Academic Affairs.
 
Sheerer will report to Chancellor Sartarelli, oversee all academic units of the university and serve as chief operating officer of the university.
 
As interim provost at UNCW, Sheerer worked with the Planning, Budget and Accountability Task Force to advise on the alignment of academic budgeting with institutional budgeting practices; developed an action plan for academic affairs and has been involved in the development of UNCW’s strategic plan alongside Chancellor Sartarelli.
 
“I greatly appreciate this opportunity to continue to work with Chancellor Sartarelli, the deans, faculty and staff to advance the university’s mission and build upon UNCW’s many strengths,” said Dr. Sheerer. “I look forward to collaborating with my academic colleagues and constituents across campus as we foster innovative approaches to improving the student experience at UNCW.”
 
Sheerer holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg State College in Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. from Ohio University. Dr. Sheerer joined UNCW following the departure of former provost Denise Battles, who was appointed to serve as president of the State University of New York Geneseo.
 
A link to her photo is available in Dropbox.
 
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The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is consistently recognized at a national level for academic excellence and affordability. UNCW is dedicated to learning through the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service. A public institution with over 14,000 students, the university is widely acknowledged for its superb faculty and staff and a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression and responsible citizenship. UNCW offers an array of high-quality programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, and doctoral programs in marine biology, educational leadership, psychology and nursing practice. The university is dedicated to offering a community rich in diversity and inclusion, global perspectives, and enriching the quality of life through scholarly community engagement in such areas as health, education, the economy, the environment, marine and coastal issues, and the arts.

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