(Leavenworth, Kan.)—The University of Saint Mary named Dr. Michelle Metzinger as the university's new provost and vice president for academic affairs, following the retirement of Dr. Bryan Le Beau. Dr. Metzinger assumed her leadership position on Monday, July 3.

Dr. Metzinger brings nearly 20 years of higher-education experience to USM—most recently serving as vice president for academics at Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D. She began her tenure at Presentation College as the college's registrar—and during her 18-year stint at the university, she also served as the director of information technology, a department chair, academic dean, assistant professor, program development officer, and director of institutional research and assessment.
 
"I am very excited to work alongside Dr. Metzinger," said USM President Sister Diane Steele. "Her extensive experience in higher education and proven track record of success will be major assets to the continued growth of Saint Mary, along with her genuine passion for our students and for advancing our Vincentian mission to help young men and women find their God-given potential."
 
In her role as USM provost and vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Metzinger will be the chief academic officer as well as oversee all student life programming and faculty recruitment, development, and tenure. Dr. Metzinger had this to say about her new position: "I am truly honored and very excited to work with such talented, creative, and forward-thinking administrators, faculty, and staff at USM. I believe in the Saint Mary mission, the power of a Catholic liberal arts education, and most importantly, I believe in our university's future of continued academic excellence."
 
Dr. Metzinger holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern State University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Northern State University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University.
 

The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.