Lancaster named provost at Ferris State

Jennifer Drake, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, said: "I am pleased to recognize Sean Lancaster on his appointment as provost of Ferris State University, a well-deserved next step in his leadership journey. Sean has made a meaningful impact through work in assessment, accreditation and strategic planning.

'I am especially grateful for his leadership in helping develop the Reach Higher Together strategic plan and the Academic Affairs Strategic Framework. While we will miss him at Grand Valley, I'm glad he will remain a colleague here in Michigan, and I look forward to continuing our shared work in support of students and communities across the state."

Lancaster said his participation in the Reach Higher Together planning process, as well as the development of the first Academic Affairs divisional plan, influenced his decision to leave Grand Valley.

"My work in accreditation allowed me to engage deeply with programs and colleagues across GVSU, and I am truly grateful for those experiences and relationships," he said. "The Reach Higher Together listening sessions brought forward a wide range of perspectives and reminded me how powerful it is to align people around a shared vision. That experience reignited my desire to lead at a broader level and to help shape systems that support success for students, faculty and staff across Academic Affairs."

Lancaster earned numerous accolades while at Grand Valley, including the Pew Teaching with Technology Award, Outstanding Teaching Award from Graduate Students and the Graduate Mentor Award.

He earned three degrees from the University of Kansas, including a Ph.D. in special education.