Darrell Newton was selected as the university’s next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), starting July 1, 2024. 

A search committee narrowed the list from 80 candidates to 12 semi-finalists. Newton was then selected among three finalists, with the announcement coming from Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson on April 26, 10 days after finalist interviews ended.

Patterson said Newton’s experience “will continue the scholarly and strategic leadership required as we continue to deliver high-quality academic programs” in an email to the campus community.

Newton completed a two-day itinerary and meeting process with university stakeholders on April 8 and 9. 

Newton first met with human resources and received a campus tour with Executive Associate to the President Scott Brown on April 8. He also attended a Zoom open forum for faculty and dinner with Patterson and the executive management team at the Martin House. 

On April 9, he met with academic deans for breakfast and hosted open forums with faculty, staff and students. He had meetings with Patterson, the Office of the Provost Direct Reports, the executive management team and the search committee. He also had lunch with student ambassadors.

Newton earned his doctorate in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and earned his master’s at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is currently the provost at Winona State University in Minnesota.

Newton cited past career accomplishments in his cover letter. He was an associate vice chancellor of Academic Affairs and dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Wisconsin Eu Claire. While there, he improved the general education program by opening online classes. This gained net revenue by 3% from 2011 to 2022. When he was an associate dean at Salisbury University, he “worked to incorporate global perspectives as part of the University’s mission.” 

Fourteen members comprised the search committee. Sue Morin and Manny Ruiz co-chaired the committee, and Patterson thanked the group for its “dedication to this work and the institution made this smooth and successful search possible.”

Nicole Hill served as the interim provost before Newton’s selection. Patterson said she will return to dean of the College of Education and Human Services when Newton begins his position on July 1.

“Dr. Hill’s leadership has been invaluable to me, the Division of Academic Affairs and the entire university,” Patterson said.

Patterson said to close his message, “I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Newton as he leads the Division of Academic Affairs and welcoming him to the Ship family.”

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