Barbara Marinak, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education at Mount St. Mary’s University, will become interim provost of the university for a two-year period that begins July 1.
“During the past several months, I’ve been privileged to witness Barb’s effective and collegial leadership on several important projects,” said President Jerry Joyce, Ph.D. “Her dedicated work on the Strategic Planning Committee is one of many factors that will make her a strong interim provost. She will be a key partner as we implement the strategies and tactics the Mount community has identified as essential for our ever-growing strength and momentum.”
After seven years as provost, Boyd Creasman, Ph.D., has decided to join the university’s faculty at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. Given his passion for teaching, he has been named university professor and will teach courses in the Department of English. During his tenure as provost, Creasman oversaw the creation of several academic programs and the transition of graduate programs to online delivery. His funding of faculty training in online instruction helped the academic team generate 23% growth in enrollment in the Division of Continuing Studies in 2023.
Marinak joined the Mount’s faculty in 2011, progressing from associate professor to chair of the Education Department to professor to dean in 2017. Her scholarship on literacy and motivation is nationally recognized and has improved the lives of countless young people by contributing data-driven insights and approaches to reading instruction. Marinak’s teaching and research have earned numerous national honors.
As dean, Marinak worked on the university’s Middle States reaccreditation, guided the Mount’s strategic use of instructional technologies during the pandemic and served on numerous committees. She successfully navigated the program approval process via the Maryland Higher Education Commission, bringing new and innovative programs to the university. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University, a Master of Education from Penn State University and a doctorate from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Marinak will serve a two-year term as interim provost. During the 2026-27 academic year, the university will conduct a national search for the next permanent academic leader. Faculty will be substantively involved in that search, and internal applicants will be encouraged.