Three Women Scholars Who Have Been Appointed Provosts

Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado was appointed provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. Dr. Maldonado was serving as Scranton’s interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Dr. Maldonado joined the university in 2020 as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to joining Scranton, Dr. Maldonado served as assistant provost of undergraduate education at the University of Miami, where she has also served as the executive director of the Office of Academic Enhancement and as a professor of religious studies. She joined the faculty at the University of Miami in 2006. As a scholar, Dr. Maldonado’s academic areas of specialization include Latino/a and Latin American theology; Afro-Caribbean and Latino/a studies; and constructive and cultural theologies.

Dr. Maldonado earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She holds a master’s degree from the Union Theological Seminary in New York, and a Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

Ani Yazedjian has assumed the role of acting provost at Illinois State University. Dr. Yazedjian has served as associate provost since 2019. Dr. Yazedjian has also served as chair of the department of family and consumer sciences at Illinois State. Prior to her time at Illinois State, Dr. Yazedjian was a faculty member in the department of family and consumer sciences at Texas State University.

“It is an honor to be able to serve the university in this capacity,” said Dr. Yazedjian. “I look forward to continuing the work that makes Illinois State an excellent place for learning and research, and a place of belonging where all students, faculty, and staff can thrive.”

Dr. Yazedjian earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Florida. She holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in human and community development from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Elizabeth M. Béjar has been appointed provost, executive vice president, and chief operating officer at Florida International University in Miami. She is the first person of Hispanic heritage and the first alumna of the university to serve as provost.

Dr. Béjar  come to FIU in 2003. In 2009 she became vice provost for academic planning and accountability. Five years later, she was named vice president of academic affairs.

Dr. Béjar earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and elementary education from the University of Miami. She holds a master’s degree in international and intercultural development education from Florida International University and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Boston College.