UNCW names new provost

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW has taken the interim tag off its provost and given her the job officially.

Marilyn Sheerer is now Provost and Vice Chancellor of the Office of Academic Affairs, UNCW announced today. More than a year ago, the Board of Trustees announced Sheerer would served as interim provost after her predecessor Denise Battles announced she would leave last June to become president at a university in New York.

According to UNCW, Sheerer has more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration. Prior to coming to Wilmington she was the provost of East Carolina University from 2007 until 2014. She also served as dean of the ECU College of Education, associate dean for faculty and program development, interim vice chancellor for university and advancement and interim vice chancellor for student life. Before serving at ECU, she was a department chair at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and Northern Illinois University.

“I am so pleased that Dr. Sheerer has accepted the offer to serve as provost and vice chancellor of this great institution,” UNCW Chancellor Vito Sartarelli said in a news release. “Marilyn has proven to be an outstanding leader and has an excellent record as an administrator and scholar. I have enjoyed working with Marilyn in her capacity as interim provost, and she will continue be a great asset to UNCW.”

During Dr. Sheerer’s time at ECU, she led the creation of the university’s Honors College; expanded distance education; secured $1 million in private funding to initiate special programming for learning disabled students; secured $3 million in grants in support of academic programs; and improved budget and personnel processes within the Division of Academic Affairs.

UNCW says Sheerer will report to Sartarelli and oversee all academic units of the university and serve as chief operating officer of the university.

“I greatly appreciate this opportunity to continue to work with Chancellor Sartarelli, the deans, faculty and staff to advance the university’s mission and build upon UNCW’s many strengths,” Sheerer said in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with my academic colleagues and constituents across campus as we foster innovative approaches to improving the student experience at UNCW.”

Sheerer holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg State College in Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. from Ohio University.