NWTC adopts new provost model to strengthen student success

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) has adopted a new provost leadership model designed to better connect academic and student affairs, strengthening support for students from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Dr. Jennifer Flatt has been appointed as the College's first provost and executive vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.

As provost and executive vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, Flatt serves as NWTC's chief academic officer. She provides executive leadership for the College's academic directions and student affairs work, helping shape the future of teaching, learning, and student success at NWTC.

"Higher education is changing rapidly, and our students' lives are changing with it," said Dr. Kristen Raney, NWTC president. "The provost model strengthens how we align academic and student affairs around one shared goal: post-graduation success. Jennifer is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who understands both the academic experience and the evolving needs of our students and communities. She is exceptionally well-positioned to lead this next chapter for the College."

The provost model brings together responsibilities that have traditionally been led separately across academic and student affairs. By aligning these areas under one executive leader, NWTC is creating a more connected student experience.

The provost model is a key component of NWTC's 2026-2029 Academic Plan, which is reshaping how NWTC plans, delivers, and continuously improves education. The plan emphasizes stronger workforce alignment, teaching excellence, expanded K-12 and transfer pathways, and data-informed decision-making to help students succeed from enrollment through post-graduation.

"Today's students are balancing work, family, finances, and responsibilities that look very different than they did even a decade ago," Flatt said. "Our responsibility is to continue evolving alongside them-creating learning experiences that are flexible, relevant, and connected to the work opportunities awaiting them in our communities after graduation. I'm excited to continue working with our faculty, staff, students, employers, and community partners as we shape what's next for NWTC."

Flatt brings more than 25 years of higher education experience and has served in several leadership roles at NWTC since joining the College in 2019, including vice president of Student Affairs and dean of the Marinette Campus. Before joining NWTC, she spent 19 years teaching at the two-year college level. Her background spans both academic leadership and student affairs, making her uniquely positioned to lead the integrated model.

Readers can learn more about Flatt's perspective on the future of higher education, NWTC's Academic Plan, and her vision for the College in her Eagle's View article.