Gannon University Gets New Provost and Vice President for Student Experience
“Welcoming Dr. Ewing into this position ensures a visionary leader will continue to drive the strategy of our academic offerings as well as our student and employee experiences,” said Keith Taylor, Ph.D., President of Gannon University.
Dr. Ewing will be responsible for all undergraduate and graduate academic matters; student academic support services; program development, delivery and assessment. In this role she will work with both academic and student experience division leadership to integrate curriculum and co-curriculum initiatives as well as the assessment and strategic planning for both divisions, including the liberal studies core; faculty development programs; student development and engagement, residence life and dining, athletics, health and wellness, and student support. She will work closely with the President and Leadership Team on the critical work of achieving the university’s mission, vision and strategic goals and in support and promotion of Gannon’s Catholic identity.
“We are proud of Dr. Ewing’s service and leadership as Dean of the Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences and are excited by her decision to advance her vision and commitment to Gannon and our community as Provost and Vice President for Student Experience,” said Taylor. “Our decision was affirmed by the feedback we received through the search process and our confidence in her success founded in her exemplary leadership during a time when higher education and our world has faced challenges that are redefining how we continue to deliver a quality experience. We are confident she will continue to lead Gannon forward as a catalyst for transforming our students, our employees and our surrounding communities.”
Dr. Ewing was a first-generation student who funded her own college education, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from Penn State Behrend in 2001 as a University Schreyer Scholar and Excellence in Biology Award recipient. She completed the Ph.D. track of North Carolina State University’s comparative biomedical sciences program in 2007, after which she returned to Erie as a biology professor at Penn State Behrend in 2007. Ewing transitioned to Gannon in 2009 as an assistant professor of biology and director of pre-health professional programs. She advanced to chair of the biology department (2013), associate professor (2015), associate dean in July (2015), and interim dean (2017). In December of 2017, Ewing became permanent dean and has achieved tremendous success for the college, establishing herself as a leader with vision and drive.
During her time as Dean, the college has grown and flourished significantly. We opened our second Gannon location in Ruskin, Fla. to meet health care needs for the region by educating future health leaders with in-demand programs. The College has formed meaningful community partnerships to deliver transformational opportunities for students to advance their careers and pursue their passion, such as the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing and the research and education collaboration with the Regional Science Consortium.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be granted the opportunity to serve Gannon University as Provost and Vice President of Student Experience,” said Sarah Ewing, Ph.D. “I am so proud to be a part of the Gannon family and to have the opportunity to work closely with dedicated colleagues, alumni and community partners toward our shared purpose – transforming the lives of our students and one another. I look forward to leaning into my personal and professional experiences and vision for this role to continue Gannon’s positive momentum and deliver an innovative and high-quality education and experience for our students on our Erie and Ruskin Campuses.”
Ewing will succeed Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., in the Provost and Vice President for Student Experience position as he transitions into leading Gannon as the university’s eighth President on July 1, 2023.
“We believe that Dr. Ewing’s experience, background and vision for Gannon University’s academic offerings as well as the student and employee experience will propel our institution forward as we look ahead to our 100-year anniversary and beyond,” said Iwanenko.
“Her care, understanding and connection with our faculty, staff and students paired with her forward-thinking mindset positioned Dr. Ewing as the best candidate in our search.”