Linda Eisenmann has notified Wheaton’s administration that she will be stepping down from her position as provost at the end of the academic year, as of an email sent yesterday by President Dennis Hanno. After continuing her position until June 30, 2016 and a sabbatical, she will remain at Wheaton, as faculty, during the 2017-18 academic year. In light of the controversial events and major changes occurring at Wheaton within the first few weeks at Wheaton, this should not be taken with a grain of salt. Eisenmann has accumulated an impressive resume, from graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from Connecticut College summa cum laude, to receiving both a Master’s and a Doctorate from Harvard University Graduate School. Specializing in history and education, Eisenmann has published an impressive amount of books, articles, and essays throughout her career. Her enlightenment and contributions both as an academic and as a provost are not to be overlooked.
As Eisenmann has demonstrated over the years, maintaining a provost position on a university’s campus requires major leadership effort and qualifications. As a senior academic administrator, a provost oversees any curricular, academic, research, service, or faculty-related affairs. This dabbles in many programs and departments on campus, such as admissions and the registrar. The provost overlooks most of the university or college and its faculty. Although this position may seem to work behind the curtain, its results impact all of us to the most severe degree.
Given the diverse range of responsibilities the provost must maintain, Eisenmann has overlooked many important changes and improvements to Wheaton during her time in this position. From establishing new majors to providing guidance in the establishment of the Mars Science Center, she has provided security and stability through her progressions over the years. Although she will still be a part of the Wheaton faculty, her success as provost will be missed and congratulated generously.