Nancy J. Curtin is taking over Mary Black’s position of Provost at Millikin University. What does this mean for Millikin’s academic future?
What is a provost?
A Provost is the chief academic officer of a university and is someone who works directly with the president to ensure that the school has the highest condition of academic excellence possible. Provosts are in charge of student enrollment and tuition and are a staple of every university. An Interim Provost is a temporary filling of the Provost role.
Who is Nancy J. Curtin?
Curtin has been teaching at Millikin since 1997 and has taught in many different positions.
She was adjunct faculty until 2007 when she started a full-time position. She has a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from Southern Illinois University.
Curtin currently serves as the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and will continue there until she becomes the Interim Provost.
Curtin is also the co-author of a book used for public speaking courses at Millikin, Game On! A Practical Guide for Winning Workplace Conversations.
“We knew what we wanted the students to learn, but we couldn’t find something, so we just decided to write it,” Curtin said.
Starting June 16, 2025, Curtin will be the new Interim Provost of Millikin.
Curtin intends to work hard to give to Millikin students and faculty during her time as Interim Provost.
Reflecting on why she took this position, Curtin said, “I felt like we needed some stability and continuity at that upper level, and I felt that I could contribute that stability, continuity, and historical perspective.”
Since Millikin is currently in the hiring process for a new President, Curtin believes that hiring internally for Interim Provost is what will help Millikin the most during this transition.
Present to Future
Mary Black has been the Provost since 2021 and has accomplished and inspired many staff and faculty during her time at Millikin.
“Current Provost Black has been a phenomenal leader, very transparent, very engaging, and has been a good model and mentor to me,” Curtin said.
Curtin intends to carry on Black’s initiatives during her time as Interim Provost. Curtin also intends to make it more accessible for transfer students to “make it Millikin” by breaking down barriers that make it difficult to enroll.
Having been at Millikin for many years and with a lot of experience, Curtin has always held the university in high regard.
“I believe in the values and the institution and what we do here with the students; the people are amazing, and that’s why I choose to stay, rather than I have to stay,” Curtin said.
Curtin hopes to stay at Millikin and to continue to further the outreach and academic achievements of students with this new position as Interim Provost.
