Villanova University Welcomes New Senior Vice Provost for Academics
VILLANOVA, Pa. (June 16, 2025)—As Villanova University gears up for the upcoming academic year, Christine Kelleher Palus, PhD, has been appointed as the new Senior Vice Provost for Academics, starting August 1, 2025. Dr. Palus, a valued faculty member since 2006, was formerly the Dean of the College of Professional Studies and holds a professorship in the Department of Public Administration.
University President, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ‘75 CLAS, expressed his confidence: “Dr. Palus is a highly respected and accomplished member of the Villanova community. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently embodied the values that define Villanova, and her outstanding academic record speaks volumes. We look forward to the impact of her vision and expertise as she continues to help shape the future of the academic experience at Villanova.”
In her new role as Senior Vice Provost for Academics, Dr. Palus will be instrumental in providing strategic leadership on various initiatives and programs that bolster faculty support, teaching, and research at the university. Her responsibilities will encompass critical aspects such as academic programming, policy development, faculty governance, and recruitment, among other academic functions.
Dr. Palus shared her enthusiasm about the role: “I am deeply honored to be appointed as the next Senior Vice Provost for Academics and grateful for the opportunity to serve the University in this new role. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional students, distinguished faculty, dedicated staff and visionary University leadership during this transformative time in Villanova’s history. With our Augustinian Catholic mission and values as our foundation, we will continue to work together to advance academic excellence in pursuit of the University’s ambitious goals.”
During her tenure as Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Dr. Palus oversaw vital areas such as strategic planning, program development, and faculty affairs. Her leadership extended to managing diverse educational offerings, including degree completion tracks and professional certifications, both on campus and online.
Before her role in the College of Professional Studies, Dr. Palus was the Dean of Graduate Studies at Villanova’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her responsibilities included managing over 20 graduate programs. Dr. Palus also served as the chair of the Department of Public Administration and directed the Master of Public Administration program. Her academic journey began as an assistant professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD, praised her contributions: “Throughout her career, Dr. Palus has proven herself an innovative and collaborative leader who is committed to fostering academic excellence and furthering our Augustinian Catholic values. Her vast knowledge and exceptional experience as an administrator, scholar and teacher will enrich the academic leadership team and the University as a whole. I look forward to continuing our work together to further Villanova’s academic enterprise.”
Dr. Palus is a well-regarded scholar with numerous publications in public administration and state politics. Her work, co-authored with Susan Webb Yackee, PhD, earned the prestigious Beryl Radin award in 2016 from the Public Management Research Association for the best article in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory.
She completed her undergraduate studies at Fairfield University with a double major in Visual and Performing Arts (Music) and Politics and holds an MA and PhD in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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