Stetson University Executive Vice President and Provost takes leadership of Capital University

Elizabeth L. "Beth" Paul, Ph.D.
Elizabeth L. “Beth” Paul, Ph.D.

Seven years after she first stepped foot onto Stetson University’s campuses, Executive Vice President and Provost, Elizabeth L. “Beth” Paul, Ph.D., announced she is leaving in mid-June to become President of Capital University near Columbus, Ohio.

As Stetson University’s executive vice president and provost, Paul is the University’s senior academic officer and leads the University’s strategy for its colleges and schools, academic offices, library and digital learning technologies, institutes, centers and programs, campus life and student services. Under her leadership, faculty revised and updated many existing academic programs.  New undergraduate and graduate programs have been added, including data analytics, public administration, public health, and innovative new graduate programs including the “MFA of the Americas,” in creative writing and an M.Ed. in Education for Social Justice. Paul’s extensive experience with undergraduate student research and experiential learning are now hallmarks of a Stetson education.

“I’m delighted for her but recognize the loss her departure is for our university,” said Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D., president of Stetson University. “She has worked tirelessly to support faculty, lead program development and launch new learning opportunities for Stetson University students. I know the university community members will miss her on both a personal and professional level.”

Among her many noteworthy achievements, Paul sparked the creation of the Brown Center for Faculty Innovation and Excellence, WORLD: The David and Leighan Rinker Center for International Learning, and the Hollis Family Student Success Center.

“I am a person divided,” Paul said.  “I love Stetson University, the faculty, the staff and the wonderful students I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know, but I am also excited to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead of me.”

Paul has overseen the hiring of nearly 80 faculty, and greatly enhanced faculty development efforts at the University to ensure that Stetson faculty, from newly hired to senior members, have the opportunity to constantly improve student learning and achievement.  She works hand in hand with faculty and staff to promote student learning in all Stetson University endeavors.

“Beth is a great institutional leader,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Robert Huth. “Her strategic focus and pervasive encouragement have helped Stetson to grow and prosper.”

As Provost, Paul played an instrumental leadership role in catalyzing the campus to create and embrace the university strategic plan, values framework and learning plan, and her passion for community engagement and diversity included serving as co-chair for the university’s Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Task Force.

Paul joined the university as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs in July 2009. Prior to her arrival, Paul was vice provost and professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, a public residential college, where she had served since 1992, holding positions as interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, interim vice president for Student Life and chair of the Department of Psychology. Her academic experience also includes faculty positions at The College of New Jersey and Wellesley College and as a research associate at Harvard University.

A national search for Paul’s successor will begin immediately. An interim Provost will be named shortly.