Dear Wright State Community,
I am thrilled to announce the immediate appointment of Dr. Jim Denniston as vice president for academic affairs and provost of Wright State University.
Since stepping into the acting provost role on January 1, Dr. Denniston has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from his staff, the Faculty Senate, and Wright State constituents, confirming he is the ideal candidate for this position.
Dr. Denniston brings a set of shared values based on people, learning, partnerships, relationships, sustainability, and stewardship to the Office of Provost. Wright State community members have appreciated his “calm demeanor in the role and responsiveness to academic concerns and issues,” and described him as extremely collaborative and welcoming of input when making decisions.
His experience developing transformational educational experiences and forging community partnerships will help our university further develop and enhance innovative academic programs that provide students with expanded educational and career opportunities.
As Dr. Denniston transitions into his permanent role, we will implement a strategic restructuring of the Office of the Provost to enhance the delivery of academic services to our students. Following Dr. Amelia Salazar’s decision to step down as vice president for student success, the Division of Student Success will join the Office of the Provost and will be led by a newly created vice provost position. More details about this restructuring will be shared in a forthcoming announcement.
Dr. Denniston joined Wright State in 2022 as the founding dean of the College of Health, Education, and Human Services. Under his leadership, the college created its first comprehensive strategic plan and successfully launched the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and Technology program.
Previously, Dr. Denniston served as professor of psychology at Appalachian State University, where he spent over a decade in leadership roles, including serving as chair and assistant chair of the Department of Psychology and chair of the Council of Chairs. As an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow in 2018–2019, he worked with senior leadership at Wake Forest University to enhance academic programs and institutional strategy.
Dr. Denniston received his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, his master's degree in experimental psychology from Bucknell University, and his bachelor's degree in psychology from New York University.
Please join me in thanking Jim Denniston for his service as acting provost and in congratulating him on his new role at Wright State University.
Best wishes,
Sue