Eastern Michigan University names Rhonda Longworth provost and executive vice president, academic and student affairs

Eastern Michigan University names Rhonda Longworth provost and executive vice president, academic and student affairs

YPSILANTI – Rhonda Longworth, a professor of political science and administrator who has worked at Eastern Michigan University for 22 years, has been named provost and executive vice president, academic and student affairs, pending approval by the Board of Regents. The appointment follows a national search. It is effective April 21, 2017.

Longworth has served as interim provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs since January 2016. Previously, she served as associate provost and associate vice president for academic programs and support, a position she held since 2011.

Rhonda Longworth, Ph.D.

Longworth started at Eastern Michigan in 1994 as an assistant professor of Political Science. Since that time, she also has served as Women's Studies Director; Department Head, Political Science; Assistant Vice President (interim), Academic Affairs; Assistant Vice President (interim), Academic Human Resources and Divisional Budget; and, Director, Course and Program Development.

In announcing the appointment, Eastern Michigan University President James Smith said, “Dr. Longworth has distinguished herself in every phase of her career. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of Eastern’s mission through her years of service in multiple leadership roles represent a defining characteristic. She will continue to be an outstanding leader and strong advocate for the University and our students, faculty and staff in the years ahead.

“I would like to acknowledge the excellent work by the Search Committee, which included student leadership, faculty and staff. I particularly want to thank the co-chairs for their leadership, Mohamad Qatu, Dean of the College of Technology, and Micheal Sayler, Dean of the College of Education.”

The Committee selected four finalist candidates, each with distinct and well-qualified backgrounds, to outline their visions for Eastern in well-attended forums on the University campus during March.

Longworth will lead the University’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs and its more than 200 degree programs in five colleges: Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Services, Business, Education and Technology; the honors college and graduate school; and, will oversee academic advising, career services, retention, and community college relations. She also will direct student affairs operations including the offices of campus life, student well-being, residence life and diversity and community involvement.

Longworth said, “Eastern's mission as a public institution providing excellence, access and opportunity resonates deeply with me. Our committed faculty, staff and leadership team serve and inspire students day in day out with their dedication and commitment. I am excited to work with them, our students and the Eastern Michigan University community in the coming years. “

Longworth has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa, with a double major in political science and history. She earned her doctorate in political science, also from the University of Iowa. Her research and teaching interests have focused on the determinants of successful executive leadership, particularly in electoral and legislative arenas and the politics of gender.

Her annual salary will be $285,000.

In addition to co-chairs Mohamad Qatu, Dean, College of Technology, and Micheal Sayler, Dean, College of Education, the search committee included:

  • Susan Booth, Associate Professor of Arts & Entertainment Management Administration; Director of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
  • Sean Che, Assistant Professor, Information Assurance
  • Gloria Hage, General Counsel
  • Chiara Hensley, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Christine Karshin, Associate Dean, College of Health & Human Services; Assoc. Professor of Health Promotion and Human Performance
  • Judith Kullberg, Professor of Political Science; AAUP President
  • Sally McCracken, Emeritus Professor of Communication; President of the Emeritus Faculty Association
  • Susan Moeller, Professor of Accounting
  • Tanasia Morton, President, Student Government
  • Ray Quiel, Associate Professor of Communication; President, Faculty Senate
  • Michael Shumaker, President, All Union Council
  • Wade Tornquist, Interim Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies & Research; Professor of Chemistry
  • Malverne Winborne, Director, Charter Schools Office

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University website.

April 02, 2017

Written by:
Walter Kraft

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400