ST. GEORGE — After an extensive nationwide search, Dixie State University has selected Sarah Vandermark as its new associate provost for academic success.
Vandermark will be responsible for leading academic initiatives that advance student retention and success at Dixie State. She will start Aug. 1 after her role as the assistant provost for student success at New Jersey City University comes to a close.
According to a statement from Dixie State, Vandermark will begin implementing practices that will positively impact students’ academic experiences.
“Dr. Vandermark will bring a wealth of experience in leading academic advisement and academic success programs,” Michael Lacourse, Dixie State provost and vice president of academic affairs, said in the statement.
In addition to designing and implementing systems to improve students’ academic success, Vandermark will be responsible for expanding Dixie State’s portfolio of associate degree and certificate programs in line with the institution’s community college mission.
“I am excited to join this team of dynamic individuals who have welcomed me with such grace here at Dixie State University,” Vandermark said.
She continued by saying she looks forward to “collaborating and learning through my peers and helping with the strategic initiatives put forth by the university. I am grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get on campus.”
At New Jersey City University, Vandermark designed and led initiatives that raised graduation rates by six percentage points over the past two years.
She has also served as the executive director of student success, director of the Advising Success Center and academic coordinator of advising for the College of Computing Sciences during her 14-year career with New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Additionally, she has held various roles at The Art Institute of New York City, Cambridge Technology Partners, Boston University, Bay State College and Northeastern University and is a national speaker on student success and has published her work in several peer-reviewed journals.
Vandermark earned a doctorate in counselor education from Montclair State University, a master’s in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from Wilkes University.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Vandermark onto our campus,” Lacourse said.
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