Lynda A. Szymanski was appointed the inaugural provost at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She will take office on July 1.
Luther College enrolls just under 2,000 students, according to the most recent data available from the U.S Department of Education. Women make up 57 percent of the student body.
“I have long admired Luther College and am excited to join this mission-focused and student-centered community,” said Dr. Szymanski. “It is an honor to be selected as Luther’s first provost, and I look forward to serving on the leadership team and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to promote student learning and success throughout the Luther experience.”
Dr. Szymanski began her academic career in 1998 at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She taught undergraduate psychology courses as an assistant, associate, and full professor. Her administrative appointments include, most recently, serving as the associate provost; interim provost; associate dean of the school of humanities, arts, and sciences; and department chair of psychology.
Dr. Szymanski earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Connecticut College. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from West Virginia University.