MARTIN, Tenn. – Dr. Stephanie Kolitsch has been named the University of Tennessee at Martin’s transitional provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs starting June 14. The announcement was made in a university-wide email by Dr. Yancy Freeman, UT Martin chancellor.
Kolitsch, the university’s associate provost and director of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation, held the interim provost position during the UT Martin chancellor search in 2023. She will assume the temporary post again when Dr. Philip Cavalier leaves the provost position this month to become the new president of Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
The nationwide search for a new provost will begin July 1 when the position is officially posted.
“Faculty and staff consistently recognize her for clear communication, structured problem-solving that considers both policy and human impact, and a student-centered approach to decision-making,” Freeman said in his university message. “Her previous interim service earned widespread campus support, reflecting her collaborative and equitable leadership style.”
Kolitsch came to UT Martin in 1994 after earning a bachelor’s degree at East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M University) and a doctorate at the University of Texas. A mathematics and statistics faculty member who holds the rank of professor, Kolitsch said she is honored to serve in the position and will build on the progress made under Cavalier’s leadership.
“Dr. Cavalier is leaving a legacy of growth that includes new programs, increased enrollment and retention, and better overall experiences for our students,” she said. “I am looking forward to continuing the work he started and finding new ways to support our students and the institution.” (more)
In her administrative role, Kolitsch led the university’s successful reaffirmation of accreditation process in 2023 with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Kolitsch also led the development of the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan, which is part of the SACSCOC review process, and the Foundations of Excellence self-study.
Contact the UT Martin Office of University Relations at 731-881-7615 for more information.
Photo: Pictured in this file photo is Dr. Stephanie Kolitsch, who will become the transitional provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at UT Martin beginning June 14.