McDaniel College announces new Provost

Rosa Rivera-Hainaj, who has most recently served as associate vice president of academic affairs at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, has been selected as McDaniel College’s new provost following a national search. She plans to join McDaniel in July 2021.

Rosa Rivera-Hainaj has been selected as McDaniel College’s new provost following a national search. She plans to join McDaniel in July 2021.

At McDaniel, she will oversee both academic and campus life. As the chief academic officer, she will have broad responsibility for both the undergraduate and graduate academic programs. She will also be responsible for student programs and services.

“Dr. Rivera-Hainaj is a passionate advocate for student success and clearly stood out for her student-centered approach and dedication to educational access. She is also committed to furthering our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and I am thrilled to welcome her as a member of the senior leadership team,” said current McDaniel Provost Julia Jasken, who will become the college’s 10th president as of June 1.

Rivera-Hainaj has most recently served as associate vice president of academic affairs at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) in San Antonio, Texas. While in this role, she developed and implemented programs to aid in student retention and completion. Her Wings Up Summer Tuition Grant program was designed to help students stay on track to graduate. She also created the Institute for Research and Innovative Scholarship, as well as a book access program providing course materials to undergraduate students at no additional charge.

Prior to joining OLLU, she served as dean of science and mathematics at Lorain County Community College in Ohio and was previously an associate professor of chemistry, interim chair of the biology and chemistry department, and director of the Center for Science and Math Education at Purdue University North Central in Westville, Ind. She also taught as an assistant professor of chemistry at James Madison University.

“I am so excited to be joining the McDaniel family this summer,” said Rivera-Hainaj. “McDaniel is an institution that values holistic, deep learning, engaging students in a rigorous education while developing them into steadfast citizens. I appreciate the strengths, opportunities and challenges McDaniel presents as it moves to advance its national standing, grow enrollment and ensure sustainability.”

Rivera-Hainaj holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, and obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University. She has published several journal articles and has received grants from the National Science Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the National Aerospace Agency, among others.

Julia Jasken

Apr 30, 2021