Elizabeth Burroughs was named interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Montana State University. A faculty member since 2007, Dr. Burroughs currently serves as head of the university’s department of mathematical sciences. Her scholarship focuses on mathematical modeling — the process of using math to represent, analyze, and make predictions about real-world situations — in school classrooms.
“It is a privilege to serve the faculty and students at Montana State University, where together we shape the future of our state and nation through our scholarship and engagement with the world,” said Dr. Burroughs. “I am proud to be part of our land-grant mission because I believe in higher education as a public good.”
Dr. Burroughs is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she double-majored in mathematics and English. She holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in mathematics from the University of New Mexico.
Jennifer Dearden was appointed vice president for academic affairs and provost at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. Dr. Dearden comes to her new role from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where she has been serving as interim provost and dean of the faculty. She taught in the college’s department of music for nearly two decades and served in several leadership roles, such as department chair, associate provost, and senior associate provost. Dr. Dearden is also a classically trained trumpet performer.
“I am thrilled to join Hartwick College and look forward to working alongside faculty, staff, and students to build on its strong tradition of student-centered, experience-rich liberal education,” said Dr. Dearden. “I am especially grateful for the warm welcome I have received and look forward to becoming part of a community that already feels like home.”
A graduate of Ithaca College in New York, Dr. Dearden holds a master’s degree in music from Florida State University and a doctorate in trumpet performance from the University of North Texas.
Mary Pearson has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs at Southern Utah University. Dr. Pearson has been serving as the university’s vice president for finance and administration. Earlier in her tenure, she served as dean of the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business. A certified public accountant, Dr. Pearson has served as a visiting professor in Austria and remains active on several state and local boards, including the Governor’s Utah Economic Council.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as provost at Southern Utah University,” said Dr. Pearson. “I am especially excited to return to the academic mission of the institution and look forward to building on our strong foundation, supporting our students on their unique academic journeys, and working closely with faculty and staff to ensure SUU remains a place of opportunity and excellence for generations to come.”
Dr. Pearson earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting from Southern Utah University before completing her Ph.D. in business administration with an emphasis in advanced accounting.
Alyssa Kiesow was named provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Victoria. With over two decades of higher education experience, Dr. Kiesow has been serving as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Initially trained as a wildlife biologist, she previously served as the university’s director of sponsored projects, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and chair of the department of science and mathematics.
“I am extremely honored to join Texas A&M University-Victoria, where a deep commitment to student success and community engagement is clearly evident,” said Dr. Kiesow. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty and staff, President Hardigree, and the community to strengthen connections, expand opportunities, and support meaningful growth for both the university and the Victoria region.”
A graduate of Winona State University in Minnesota, Dr. Kiesow holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from South Dakota State University and a Ph.D. in biology from the University of South Dakota.