Marten L. denBoer, Ph.D., has been named Radford University’s interim provost

The role of provost is integral to the leadership and direction of the university’s academic mission. J. Orion Rogers, Ph.D., has graciously served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs for the last year, stepping in for Carolyn “Lyn” Ringer Lepre, Ph.D., who led the university as interim president during that time.

Both provided exceptional, reassuring leadership during a period of extensive change. Each stepped in as the COVID-19 pandemic began to ease and the university adapted to new post-pandemic realities. In addition, they oversaw implementation of a new approach to the general education curriculum, “REAL,” and the first stages of construction for the Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity.

At this stage, Rogers’ impending retirement and Lepre’s announcement of her new post as president of Salisbury University in Maryland created an immediate need to fill the critical role for academic leadership.

Following a search and interview process that included members of the university cabinet, the academic affairs leadership team, and the Faculty Senate executive council, Marten L. denBoer, Ph.D., has been named Radford University’s interim provost for the 2022-2023 academic year, effective July 1. Lepre said, “The university worked with The Registry, an agency that assists universities as they seek temporary interims for senior leadership positions, and denBoer was selected from a pool of more than 20 candidates.”

“With the ongoing turnover in Radford’s provost position, Marten brings a wealth of direct experience to the role to assist us through the transition to my presidency,” said Bret Danilowicz, Ph.D., who will become Radford University’s eighth president on July 1. “He has kindly agreed to serve Radford until the search for the permanent provost is complete.”

DenBoer was provost, then special assistant, at DePaul University for six years and was provost at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, for seven years. His previous leadership experience includes associate provost at Queens College of the City University of New York and physics department chair at Hunter College CUNY.

As provost at DePaul University, denBoer led academic affairs, enrollment management, and student affairs. He oversaw ten colleges that ranged from large multidisciplinary units in the liberal arts and social sciences, science and health, business, and computing and digital media to small conservatories in music and theatre.

DenBoer earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in physics from the University of Maryland and his B.A. in physics and mathematics from Calvin College.